THE  LIBRARY 

OF 

THE  UNIVERSITY 
OF  CALIFORNIA 

LOS  ANGELES 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS, 


BY 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL, 


ON 


SOME  OF  THE  SOUTHERN  STATES,  CONFEDERATE 

GENERALS,  AND  VARIOUS  OTHER  PERSONS 

AND  THINGS. 


ILLUSTEATED. 


ST.   LOUIS: 

PUBLISHED  FOR  THE  AUTHOR  AT  SOUTHWESTERN  BOOK  AND  PUBLISHING  CO. 

1869. 


Entered  according  to  act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1869,  by 
ROBERT   BLACKWELL, 

In  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  of  the  United  States  lor  the 
Western  District  of  Tennessee. 


INVOCATION. 


ADDEESS  TO  THE  SOUTH. 

My  little  book  adrift  I  send, 
And  ask  the  South  to  be  my  friend; 
On  her  for  aid  I  now  depend, 
And  will  until  my  life  shall  end. 

In  her  are  those  from  vices  free, 
And  all  her  scenes  are  dear  to  me ; 
I  now  reside  in  Tennessee, 
And  sing  her  praise  with  perfect  glee. 

Her  men  they  have  but  errors  few — 
They  love  the  gray  and  hate  the  blue  ; 
Her  clime  is  mild,  her  sons  are  true, 
Her  daughters  learn' d  and  handsome,  too. 

It  was  the  South  that  gave  me  birth, 
.  The  richest,  dearest  spot  on  earth  ; 
I  hear  within  her  songs  of  mirth, 
And  do  adore  her  sterling  worth. 

For  three  long  years  I  fought  for  her,  s 

With  General  Lee,  a  man  most  dear ; 
Was  wounded  thrice,  and  once  severe, 
But  still  for  that  I  do  not  care. 

I  only  grieve  I  vainly  fought 
For  her  I  loved,  whose  good  I  sought, 
Which  has  to  her  a  lesson  taught, 
Although  it  was  too  dearly  bought. 

But,  in  conclusion,  I  would  say, 
To  those  with  whom  I  hope  to  stay, 
Till  I  am  call'd  from  earth  away, 
I  write  to  please,  expecting  pay. 

Yours,  most  truly, 

EGBERT  BLACKWELL. 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


ACROSTIC. 

Rhyming  is  now  my  occupation, 
Oft  times  I  write  on  subjects  new, 
By  this  I  rise  to  observation, 
Expecting  pay  for  what  I  do  ; 
Regarding  men  of  higher  station, 
They  read  my  book,  and  pay  me,  too. 

Burlesque  me  not,  ye  wise  and  knowing, 
Let  me  but  work  and  make  my  rhymes, 
All  I  would  ask  is  half  a  showing, 
Come,  gentlemen,  hand  o'er  your  dimes  ; 
Keep  them  no  more  in  pockets  tight, 
When  people  work  they  want  their  pay. 
Encourage  worth  with  talents  bright — 
Little  critics,  now  clear  the  way, 
Learn  first  to  spell  before  you  write. 

' 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACROSTIC. 

(Composed  1S64-) 

Generous  and  noble  man,  with  an  iron  heart  and  true, 
Ever  fighting  for  our  cause,  with  victory  full  in  view ; 
No  Yankee  can  deter  him,  for  while  our  lips  are  speak- 

ing> 
Even  now  his  sword  so  keen,  with  vandals'   blood  is 

reeking, 

Raised  high  up  to  defend  us,  Abe  Lincoln's  clan  defying, 
Alarming  all  the  Yankees,  from  him  behold  them  flying, 
Leaving  their  comrades  and  friends  all  gory,  faint  and 

dying. 

Renowned  for  skill  in  warring,  for  him  our  soldiers 
fight, 

Each  ready,  when  he  gives  command,  to  put  our  foes 
to  flight. 

Long  has  he   fought,   and  bravely,  too,  to  keep  our 

country  free ; 
Exploring  regions  far  and  near,  the  name  of  General 

Lee, 
Endeared  to  each  Southern  heart,  will  live  while  ages 

flee. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  7 

ACEOSTIC. 

Like  angels  of  mercy,  God  sent  them  to  cheer  us 
As  traveling  o'er  earth,  for  when  they  are  near  us 
Depression  grows  lighter  while  enchanted  we  view 
In  each  of  those  ladies,  patriotic  and  true, 
Every  grace  and  charm,  which  makes  them  appear 
Shining  stars  of  perfection,  angelic  and  dear. 

Our  interest  consulting,  they  showed  their  desire 
For  the  triumph  of  right  when  the  first  gun  did  fire, 

To  put  down  oppression,  loud  ringing  like  thunder, 
Hot  balls,  well  aimed,  rent  Sumpter  asunder, 
Enrapturing  the  South,  making  Yankees  to  wonder — 

So  see  them  still  feeding  maimed  soldiers  each  day, 
Opposing  all  tyrants,  for  our  interests  they  pray, 
Using  money  so  freely,  to  aid  and  to  cheer  us. 
They  study  our  good  —  all  ye  mortals  now  hear  us, 
How  happy  we  feel  when  those  ladies  are  near  us. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Truly  kind, 
Hence  we  find 
Each  of  them 
Like  the  moon 
And  stars  at  night 
Directing  us 
Into  the  right; 
Each  of  them 
Shining  bright ; 
Offending  none, 
Firm  and  true, 
Conversing  free, 
As  ladies  do ; 
Ne'er  disposed 
To  act  amiss ; 
Our  good  they  seek, 
No  other  bliss. 


ROBERT   BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

The  learned  and  the  wise, 

How  I  love  and  I  prize 

Each  virtue  composing  their  worth. 

Like  angels  they  shine, 

All  lovely,  divine, 

Dispelling  much  darkness  from  earth. 

In  the  days  of  their  youth 

Embracing  the  truth, 

Soothing  the  high  and  the  low. 

Observe  what  I  say, 

For  a  moment  I  pray 

Just  view  them  as  onward  they  go, 

Adorning  each  street, 

Conversing  so  sweet, 

Kind-hearted,  most  noble  and  free, 

Sublime  are  their  ways. 

On  them  when  I  gaze, 

!No  blemish  nor  error  I  see. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Srive  on  for  it,  we  won't  submit 
To  negro  lovers,  great  or  small ; 
.Repulsive,  mean,  'tis  plainly  seen, 
If  let  alone  they'll  crush  us  all ; 
Keep  them  at  bay,  or  soon  we  may 
Expect  to  yield  to  them  our  lands. 

For  Freedom's  sake  we  wish  to  take 
Our  country's  weal  within  our  hands ; 
Eaise  then  the  cry,  make  traitors  fly 

From  seats  of  trust  in  every  place. 
Eads  on  us  frown  —  lest  voted  down 
Ere  long  we  are  a  ruined  race ; 
Each  living  man,  with  eyes  to  scan, 
Discerns  a  threatening  cloud  ahead. 
Our  foes  are  strong,  and  acting  wrong- 
May  yet  attempt  on  us  to  tread. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  1865.)^— 


Just  think  of  the  woes  which  he  undergoes, 

Each  hour  surrounded  by  the  deadliest  of  foes, 

Full  of  malice ;  we  see  they  afflict  him  with  glee, 

Forgetting  that  God  his  avenger  will  be. 

Each  comfort  once  known  from  him  is  now  flown — 

Eeligion  is  left  for  his  solace  alone ; 

So  see  him  now  slighted,  whose  faith  was  once  plighted 

On  the  side  of  the  South,  in  which  he  delighted, 

Now  dwelling  in  gloom,  with  prospects  all  blighted. 

Did  justice  yet  reign  in  the  Yankee's  domain, 
At  once  would  she  rise  and  strike  off  his  chain. 
Villains  subduing,  who  caused  all  his  ruin, 
Insulted,  imprisoned,  our  friend  is  now  viewing, 
Scurrilous  base  foes  his  footsteps  pursuing. 


10  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  on  his  return  home  from  Canada.') 

Join,  friends,  with  us,  and  sing  with  glee 
Of  one  who  is  of  high  degree ; 
He  has  returned,  so  joyful  be, 
Now  to  repeat  his  praises  free. 

Clothed  with  each  grace  and  virtue  bright, 

Bow  low  to  him,  ye  sons  of  might ; 
Repelling  gloom,  when  in  his  sight, 
Each  one  we  seem  to  dwell  in  light. 
Could  we  but  all  his  praises  tell, 
Known  best  to  those  who  do  excel 
In  all  that's  great,  we  know  it  well, 
None  would  refuse  his  praise  to  swell. 
Round  all  the  earth,  from  zone  to  zone, 
In  every  clime  his  name  is  known  — 
Defeat  can  not  his  fame  dethrone. 
Great  men  like  him,  as  can  be  shown, 
Exist  within  a  sphere  their  own. 


Kentucky's  bravest,  wisest  son, 
From  Yankees  ne'er  was  known  to  run. 
His  cheerful  face,  as  all  agree, 
None  but  his  foes  dislike  to  see. 


ACROSTIC. 
Could  I  this  day  but  call  the  mine, 

A  light  along  my  path  would  shine, 
Dispersing  gloom  that  round  me  bide 
And  if  thou  wilt  but  be  my  bride, 
My  greatest  aim  and  chief  employ 
Shall  be  to  soothe  thy  heart  with  joy. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


11 


Court  House,  St.  Louis. 


ACEOSTIC. 

She's  growing  larger  every  hour  — 
A  place  of  prayer,  a  place  of  mirth  — 
Increasing  in  wealth  as  well  as  power ; 
Now  viewing  her,  ye  sons  of  earth, 
Through  all  the  land  proclaim  her  worth. 

Look  at  her  mansions,  tall  churches,  too, 
Outshining  all  the  cities  round ; 
Uplifted  high,  her  factories  view, 
Imparting  wealth  and  peace  profound  — 
Shall  we  refuse  her  praise  to  sound  ? 


ACEOSTIC. 

Leading  us  right)  possessing  might, 
Our  hearts  and  wills  controlling  ; 
Viewless,  hut  still  it  seems  to  fill 
Earth  with  its  darts  consoling. 


12  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACKOSTIC. 

Think  not,  ye  knaves,  that  you  can  scare  us, 
High  honors  bright  we  will  pursue  ; 
Even  our  fathers  standing  near  us, 

Bid  each  of  us  our  duty  do. 
Like  soldiers  to  our  homes  we  cling, 
And  firmly  on  our  worth  repose, 
Cheered  by  each  friend ;  so  while  we  sing, 
Keep  far  away,  ye  Northern  foes ! 

Kuffians  !  ye  vainly  try  to  bind  us  ! 
Ever  let  the  South  alone ; 
Provoke  us  not,  for  here  you  find  us 
Upon  the  soil  which  we  own. 
Because  of  you  the  people  blunder; 
Lament  your  crimes  and  give  them  up  j 
If  you  continue  our  land  to  plunder, 
Can  you  from  us  our  pardon  hope  ? 
Arabs  and  Turks  would  blush  to  view 
Naughty,  thieving  mortals,  who 
Steal  from  men  and  ladies,  too. 


ACKOSTIC. 

Thieves  and  base  Yankees  our  ruin  designing, 

Have  trodden  us  down  and  left  us  repining ;          [field, 

O,  who  would  have  thought,  when  we  march' d  to  the 

Men  brave  as  our  leaders  to  vandals  would  yield  ? 

A  people  who  spoke  of  never  retreating,  [beating. 

Should  have  fought  while  hearts  in  their  bosoms  were 

"We  look  all  around  us,  and  what  do  we  see  ? 

Slaves  by  the  thousand,  whom  the  Yankees  set  free 
That  they  may  enslave  us,  the  pride  of  creation ; 
Envying  the  South  as  a  people  and  nation, 
Each  bent  on  our  ruin,  both  the  young  and  the  old : 
Light-fingered,  base  monsters,  their  meanness  behold  — 
Even  entering  our  grave-yards  searching  for  gold  ! 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  1864.} 

Shed  tears  o'er  his  grave,  and  tune  all  your  lyres, 
To  sing  in  his  praise  who  fought  for  our  sires, 
Our  wives  and  our  children,  and  all  that  is  dear, 
Noble  and  honored  our  proud  standard  to  rear, 
E'er  to  wave,  as  we  trust,  our  people  to  cheer. 
We  ne'er  can  do  justice  to  his  name  as  we  ought, 
Although  for  our  country  many  battles  he  fought ; 
Language  would  fail  us  to  speak  of  each  one, 
Laureled  with  victories,  they  shine  like  the  sun. 

Just  think  how  he  fought,  with  a  noble  intent, 

And  came  off  victorious  wherever  he  went, 

Causing  thousands  to  speak  in  the  praise  of  his  name. 

Knowing  his  true  valor,  we  dwell  on  his  fame, 

So  full  of  glory,  elevating  and  bright. 

On  the  day  that  he  fell  and  sank  from  our  sight, 

No  music  had  power  to  give  us  delight. 

ACEOSTIC. 

Dread  monster,  ruthless  foe, 

Ever  traveling  to  and  fro, 

And  causing  tears  of  grief  to  flow, 

The  good,  the  loved,  and  those  that  be, 

Hale  and  strong,  must  yield  to  thee. 


14  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

With  tears  of  contrition  lament  thy  condition, 
If  thou  hopest  to  'scape  an  endless  perdition, 
Long  reserved,  sir,  for  thee,  with  all  others  that  be 
Low-minded,  and  trying  to  enslave  Tennesse. 
Impressed,  with  thy  fate,  to  the  Governor  we  state, 
Arch-fiend  of  creation,  all  thy  actions  we  hate. 
Moving  downward  each  hour,  and  though  clothed  with 
power, 

God  on  thy  head  yet  his  vengeance  will  shower. 

Besmeared  with  disgrace,  a  curse  to  thy  race, 
.Reprobate,  renegade,  go  hide  now  thy  face. 
Our  people  are  dying,  'mid  scenes  the  most  trying, 
While  others,  oppressed,  from  tyrants  are  flying. 
Now,  leaving  this  day,  for  thy  demise  we  pray, 
Lean,  hungry  scapegrace,  what  makes  thee  to  stray 
On  thy  head  be  the  blame,  so  covered  with  shame, 
We  know  not  one  act  of  thy  goodness  to  name. 

He  has  no  shame,  nor  sense  of  right; 

Ravenous  wolf,  of  low  degree ; 
Our  former  slaves,  though  black  as  night, 
No  doubt  would  blush  his  heart  to  see. 

If  he  was  from  his  seat  now  hurl'd, 

Cheers  would  be  heard  from  thousands  'round, 

Louder  than  thunderbolts  unfurled — 
Even  shaking  the  very  ground. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Roll  back  dark  clouds  from  us  we  pray, 
As  we  don't  wish  to  fight ; 
Desiring  peace,  this  is  the  day 
In  which  to  show  your  might. 
Cause  wars  to  rage,  but  let  them  be 
Among  yourselves  all  pent. 
Licentious  knaves,  we  hope  to  see 
Swift  vengeance  on  you  sent. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  15 

(Composed  in  1864-) 

Resolved  are  we  to  keep  her  free, 
In  spite  of  all  the  fiends  that  be, 
Convinced  no  one  beneath  the  sun 
Hath  power  to  whip  our  General  Lee. 
Mounting  high,  she  seeks  the  sky, 
Old  Lincoln's  host  she  does  defy ; 
No  foes  she  dreads,  for  still  she  spreads 
Defying  men  with  wicked  heads. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Their  course  marked  out  they  will  pursue — 
Hail  to  a  band  of  patriots  true. 
Extended  light,  those  worthies  do 

Denounce  all  wrong  and  tyrants,  too. 
Earth  with  their  fame  is  ringing  free — 
Make  room  for  those  of  high  degree  j 
On  them  we  trust,  with  others  we 
Can  peace  restore  from  sea  to  sea. 
Rads  now  with  them  are  falling  in, 
And  own  they  have  in  error  been; 
Those  that  repent,  forsaking  sin. 
Shall  crowns  of  endless  glory  win. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Containing  fields  with  rich  attire, 
Our  people  should  no  more  desire 
Northern  goods  nor  books  to  read, 
For  she  can  make  the  things  we  need 
Ere  long  upon  her  streams  that  be 
Daily  flowing  towards  the  sea 
Each  Southern  man  will  gladly  view 
Resplendent  mills,  and  factories,  too, 
All  running  at  a  rapid  speed, 
Cheering  thousands,  and  will,  indeed, 
Yield  us  all  things  we  need. 


16  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

MISS  HAEEIET  T. 

Before  we  run  each  other  down 
'  Let  us  ourselves  apply, 
And  study  truth,  and  cease  to  frown 
On  mortals  born  to  die. 

The  ant,  you  know,  is  very  small, 
And  yet  it  makes  a  hill, 

Which  make  to  it  appear  as  tall 
As  would  to  us  a  mill. 

The  eagle,  too,  you  will  admit, 
Can  soar  from  earth  away, 

But  does  that  make  it  right  for  it 
On  smaller  birds  to  prey. 

And  though  I  never  went  to  school 
As  other  folks  have  done, 

Should  you  for  this  call  me  a  fool, 
And  at  me  poke  your  fun. 

If  that  be  right,  then  go  ahead 
You  can  not  injure  me  ; 

When  people  try  on  me  to  tread, 
I  from  their  presence  flee ; 

But  ere  I  leave  I  say  to  you, 

Being  a  graduate ; 
And  having  sense  to  will  and  do, 

I  must  conclude  and  state 

It  would  be  vain  for  silly  men 
To  cope,  as  with  an  elf, 

Or  think  of  grasping  wisdom  when 
You  have  it  all  yourself. 


Our  soldiers  fought,  and  bravely,  too, 
And  thousands  of  wicked  Yankees  slew  j 
But,  after  all,  upon  the  field 
Overpowered,  they  had  to  yield. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  17 

[One  night  at  a  party  a  loquacious  inebriate,  libertine,  smoker  and  chewer, 
asked  me  to  write  some  poetry  on  himself  and  a  couple  of  snuff-dippers  who 
were  sitting  byhim.  The  following  lines  I  then  composed  and  read  within 
their  hearing :] 

Some  ladies  do  delight  to  joke. 

And  can  appreciate 
The  worth  of  those  who  drink  and  smoke, 

While  sober  men  they  hate. 

They  are,  they  think,  of  judges  best — 

Of  course  it  must  be  so  ; 
They  love  the  fop,  and  men  detest 

Who  can  not  make  a  show. 

Go  to  parties  where  oft  they  meet, 

And  view  them  all  the  while  ; 
The  man  who  talks  to  them  most  sweet, 

Though  ignorant,  low  and  vile, 

He  is  the  man  to  please  them  most; 

While  one  from  vices  free, 
Who  will  not  drink  to  them  a  toast, 

They  from  his  presence  flee. 

The  time  is  not  so  distant  when, 

If  things  go  on  this  way, 
All  truly  good  and  virtuous  men 

At  home  had  better  stay, 

Than  to  be  scorned  by  ladies  who, 

Professing  vice  to  hate, 
Encourage  drunkards  not  a  few 

By  listening  to  them  prate. 

And  while  some  do  of  smoking  boast, 

And  love  to  dance  and  skip ; 
Of  all  the  things,  we  hate  the  most 

To  see  one  chew  or  dip. 

And  still  we  do  regret  to  say, 

Some  use  tobacco  free ; 
Perhaps  one  thousand  pounds  per  day 

They  dip  in  Tennessee. 
2 


18  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

Oh !  what  a  waste  of  time  and  wealth, 
And  what  else  does  it  do  ? 

It  always  does  impair  the  health, 
And  kills  the  user,  too. 

'Tis  dipping  brings  consumption  on — 
This  truth  none  can  deny — 

And  pales  the  check,  made  to  adorn 
The  cities  in  the  sky. 

A  curse  on  those  who  grind  the  snuff, 

Or  did  it  first  invent ; 
It  kills  its  thousands;  ain't  this  enough 

To  wish  it  from  us  sent  ? 

Had  we  the  genius  to  harangue, 

We  would  impress  on  all, 
That  we  should  make  a  law  to  hang 

Snuff  makers  great  and  small. 

Nor  would  we  pass  rum  sellers  by  ; 

For  killing  mortals  we 
Would  make  a  law  to  hang  them  high 

Upon  the  nearest  tree, 

And  leave  them  there  for  birds  to  pick- 
We  mean  the  carrion  crow — 

Still  some  we  fear  it  would  make  sick 
To  feed  on  things  so  low. 


The  Yankees,  they  are  humane  men, 
They  set  the  negroes  free, 

Nor  will  not  rob  a  dead  one  when 
No  clothes  on  him  they  see. 

Their  feelings  were  so  tender,  they 
Could  not  on  slavery  look 

But  Avith  disgust ;  to  make  it  pay, 
The  negroes  part  they  took. 

So  leaving  jails  and  foetid  rooms, 
Down  South  they  quickly   flew, 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  19 

All  full  with  zeal  they  robb'd  the  tombs 
Of  dead  folks  not  a  few. 

At  first  they  came  with  sword  in  hand, 

And  took  all  they  could  find, 
And  now  they  come  and  praise  demand 

For  leaving  things  behind, 

Which  when  first  here  they  could  not  move, 

Such  as  hills  and  mountains, 
Therefore,  of  course,  it  was  but  love 

Which  made  them  leave  our  fountains, 

Rivers  and  plains,  so  kind  were  they  j 

All  being  giants  strong, 
They  might  have  took  each  State  away, 

Could  they  have  acted  wrong. 

But  such  low  things  they  could  not  do  j 

Though  once  they  had  the  power 
To  kill  us  all,  they  spared  a  few 

To  see  this  glorious  hour, 

In  which  we  see  the  negro  race, 

With  Rads  to  cheer  and  lead, 
Ruling  the  South  in  every  place; 

And  must  we  clothe  and  feed 

This  hateful,  negro-loving  clan, 

Who,  ruling  with  a  rod, 
Let  darkies  vote,  but  no  white  man 

Who  hath  a  hope  in  God  ? 

Ain't  it  a  sin  and  slander,  too, 

Upon  the  Yankee  race, 
To  muke  but  tools  of  negroes  who 

Do  them  in  office  place  ? 

Had  we  all  power  'neath  the  sun 

That  we  could  now  desire, 
We'd  take  these  robbers,  every  one, 

And  roast  them  in  a  fire. 


20 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Just  and  holy  Lamb  of  God ! 
Ever  may  I  trust  thy  blood 
So  long  as  life  remains  to  me ; 
Uphold  me,  now  to  thy  cross  I  bow, 
Save  me  by  thy  mercy  free. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  21 

MY   COUNTKY. 

I  boast  I  was  in  Georgia  born, 

The  land  of  cotton,  wheat  and  corn, 

"Where  people  all  were  happy  once, 

Till  old  Abe  Lincoln,  knave  and  dunce, 

Eaised  up  an  army  in  the  North, 

And  sent  his  thieving  vandals  forth, 

At  whose  command  they  passed  her  through, 

Burning  towns  and  cities,  too ; 

Taking  all  that  they  could  find 

That  could  be  moved,  of  ev'ry  kind; 

And  for  such  acts  they  think  we  should 

Admire  them  as  being  good. 

Most  sage  conclusion,  I  declare, 

The  sight  of  them  I  can  not  bear; 

Still,  after  all,  themselves  they  force 

Within  our  sight,  and  think,  of  course, 

That  we  to  them  should  homage  pay 

For  taking  all  our  wealth  away ; 

But  let  them  learn,  though  they  may  scoff, 

Had  I  a  mighty  gun, 
And  them  within,  I'd  touch  it  off, 

And  kill  them  ev'ry  one. 


{Composed  on  seeing  Mrs.  Surratt  Hung,  June  6,  1865.) 

In  "Washington  city 

A  woman  to  be  hung, 
A  melancholy  ditty 

To  be  said  or  sung. 

A  woman  to  be  strangled, 
The  Yankees  standing  by, 

They  see  her  body  mangled, 
But  lift  no  voice  on  high. 

A  brave  and  warlike  nation 
Now  vents  its  fiendish  spite  ; 

A  worthy  demonstration, 
A  noble,  gallant  sight. 


22  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

All  ready  for  the  banging, 
Bullets,  steel  and  lead, 

Brave  fellows  at  the  hanging 
To  see  a  woman  dead. 

Revealing  in  slaughters 

The  yankee's  deep  disgrace, 

Crushing  freedom's  daughters — 
Oh,  what  a  manly  race  ! 

Aghast  and  craven  hearted, 
On  the  Yankees  he  the  stain — 

Sons  and  daughters  parted, 
Women  rudely  slain. 

Time  was  in  history's  pages 
When  chivalry  would  fly, 

And  when  our  sons  and  sages 
Strove  for  beauty's  sigh. 

Are  we  backward  streaming 
In  the  lapse  of  time, 

Idly  gazing,  dreaming 
Amid  triumphant  crime ! 

Sons  of  the  South,  now,  forward ! 

Avenge  this  woman's  death, 
Strike  those  Northern  cowards, 

Stay  not  your  parting  breath. 

Think  of  Washington  city, 
A  woman  to  be  hung, 

No  one  to  help  or  pity — 
The  knell  of  freedom  rung. 


An  old  writer  gives  the  following  as  the  amount  of 
sleep  demanded : 

Nature  requires  five, 

Custom  gives  seven, 
Laziness  takes  nine, 

And  wickedness  eleven. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 


(Composed  in  1858.} 

My  darling,  I  fain  would  cross  the  deep  sea, 
And  quickly  return  with  riches  to  thee  ; 
.Rubies  and  diamonds  and  pearls  from  the  main, 
Yet  being  so  poor  all  my  wishes  are  vain. 

Thine  eyes  are  stars  which  gladden  the  heart, 

Bidding  all  gloom  and  sorrows  depart ; 
Laughing  and  blushing,  thy  smiles  they  are  balm 
And  hover  around  my  passions  to  calm ; 
Consuming  their  dross,  and  making  me  be 
Kindly  disposed,  especially  to  thee, 
With  whom  I  do  hope  to  spend  a  long  life, 
Exultingly,  too,  caressing  my  wife, 
Laughing  at  want,  defying  all  pain, 
Living  in  hopes  of  living  again. 


24  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACROSTIC. 

(Composed  on  her  death,  May  28,  1859.) 

'Mid  pains  and  convulsions,  thy  soul  passed  away 
And  rose,  as  I  trust,  to  the  realms  of  bright  day ; 
Reviving  the  thought,  though  thy  death  I  record, 
Yet  thou  art  now  happy  and  praising  the  Lord. 

To  win  me  to  Jesus  thou  seemed  to  he  sent, 

But,  strange  to  relate,  I  refused  to  repent, 
Loving  those  pleasures  which  last  but  a  day  j 
All  thy  fond  pleadings  I  threw  them  away, 
Crushing  thy  hopes,  and  giving  thee  pain, 
Knowing  that  all  thy  efforts  were  vain  ; 
"While  kindness  and  love  yet  beamed  in  thine  eyes, 
Earth  was  exchanged  for  a  home  in  the  skies, 
Leaving  me  here,  without  friends,  without  home, 
Loaded  with  sorrows,  'mid  strangers  to  roam. 


But  could  tears  of  anguish  wake  thee 
From  the  dark  and  lonely  grave, 

In  my  arms  I  now  would  take  thee, 
And  bless  the  Lord  who  died  to  save. 


But  in  that  grave  in  which  thou  sleepeth, 
No  sun  on  thee  will  ever  rise  ; 

And  though  thy  husband  o'er  thee  weepeth, 
Never  canst  thou  hear  his  cries. 


Deaf  to  all  that  now  would  greet  thee, 
Cold  thy  brow  and  still  thy  heart, 

Yet  in  heaven  I  hope  to  meet  thee, 
Never  more  from  thee  to  part. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  25 

ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  I860.} 

Judicious  and  wise,  wherever  lie  went, 
On  doing  his  duty  he  seemed  to  be  bent ; 
He  labored  and  struggled,  yet  never  repined, 
Nor  thought  of  the  joys  for  the  faithful  designed. 

Concerning  his  greatness  our  people  can  tell, 

Commenting  on  one  who  loved  us  so  well, 

And  desired  to  see  us  grow  mighty  and  strong, 

Like  the  hills  and  firm  mountains,  defying  all  wrong. 

His  singleness  of  heart,  the  loss  of  our  choice, 

Our  tongues  can  best  tell,  since  we  hear  not  his  voice, 

Urging  us  all  like  soldiers  to  stand, 

Nerved  for  the  dangers  which  threaten  our  land. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Giving  lessons, 
Each  bright  and  new, 
Ne'er  swerving  from, 
Each  good  pursue. 
Eenowned  for  sense 
And  learning,  too ; 
Lawyer,  statesman, 

Just,  wise,  and  true. 
A  hero,  brave, 
Men  love  to  view ; 
Each  man  around 
Speaks  well  of  you. 

Yet  life  is  short, 
Earth's  glories  few, 
Live  not  for  fame 
Like  others  do. 


ROBERT   BLACKWELI/8 

ACEOSTIC. 

Mouldering  though  thy  body  be, 
Yet  in  my  dreams  thy  form  I  see. 

My  tears  in  torrents  daily  fall 
O'er  thee ;  I  would,  but  can't  recall. 
Thou  art  gone  to  Christ,  thy  God, 
He  who  bought  thee  with  his  blood, 
Enabled  thee  to  run  thy  race, 
Raised  thee  now  to  see  his  face ; 

Exalted  thee  to  hear  his  voice, 
Lifted  thee — with  saints  rejoice 
In  holy  songs  of  perfect  love — 
Zion  and  her  walls  above, 
And  all  the  beauties  of  the  skies 
Before  thee  now  in  grandeur  lies. 
Expansive  view  of  love  divine, 
Thine  to  view,  forever  thine, 
Happiness  without  one  sigh, 

Precious  fruits  forever  nigh, 

Beheld  by  thee,  by  thee  enjoyed, 
Lasting,  ne'er  to  be  destroyed ; 
All  thy  cares  and  troubles  o'er, 
Christ  thy  praise  for  evermore. 
King  and  Priest,  be  him  my  stay, 
While  here  I  dwell  in  flesh  and  clay 
Ever  knowing  death  is  nigh, 
Let  me  but  live,  let  me  but  die 
Like  thee,  and  meet  thee  in  the  sky. 

(Died  in  1858.) 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  27 


ACEOSTIC. 

Sweet  smiles,  more  bright  than  rays  of  light 
Adorn      those  lovely  cheeks  of  thine  ; 
Looking  so  neat,  with  charms  complete, 
Lady,  now  say,  wilt  thou  be  mine  ? 
If  thou  art  free,  by  marrying  me, 
Each  day  I'll  try  to  comfort  thee, 

And  make  thy  life  quite  free  from  strife, 

Justly  acting  towards  my  wife, 
Expecting  her  my  heart  to  cheer, 
Never  to  scold,  but  call  me  dear. 
Now  hear  me  through,  believe  me,  too, 
I  love  thy  smiling  face  to  view. 
No  mortal  man  here  living  can 
Give  unto  thee  a  heart  so  free, 
So  full  of  love  as  mine  for  thee. 


28 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  on  its  refusing  to  Operate.) 

There  are  some  who  of  thy  future  doubt ; 
Hast  thou  one  word  ?  Now  speak  it  out 
Ere  thy  name  be  lost  to  fame. 

Already  certain  men  are  saying, 
Thy  vital  chords  they  are  decaying  j 
Lion  of  the  sea,  awake, 
And  make  those  babblers  fear  and  quake ; 
Now  we  beseech,  if  thou  art  able 
To  prove  thyself  a  talking  cable, 
Interchange  one  word  or  so, 
Concerning  of  thy  present  woe ; 

Cleave  each  rock  beneath  the  sea, 
And  prove  thyself  indeed  to  be 
Beneficial  to  the  free ; 
Like  a  king  from  slumber  wake, 
Exulting,  and  thy  sceptre  take. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  29 


ACEOSTIC. 

(My  youngest  Brother.'} 

John,  dear  brother,  onward  go, 
Overcoming  every  foe ; 
Heavy  tnough  thy  burdens  be, 
Never  cease  to  pray  for  me. 

Look  at  what  we  have  to  do 

Before  we  can  bright  Canaan  view ; 
Love  for  God  we  must  possess, 
And  pray  the  Lord  our  foes  to  bless 
Conscious  we  are  born  to  die, 
Keep  thine  eyes  uplifted  high ; 
With  confidence  to  Jesus  pray 
Every  hour  throughout  the  day ; 
Loving  him  who  died  for  thoe, 
Let  me  repeat,  now  pray  for  me. 


30 


ROBERT   BLACKWELI/S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Turn  this  book  and  at  us  look, 
Heed  our  features,  too, 
Expressive,  fine,  our  faces  shine, 

To  please  such  folks  as  you ; 

With  heads  but  four,  we  want  no  more, 

Our  eyes  give  us  no  light ; 

Our  ears  are  deaf,  but  yet  no  grief 

Disturbs  us  day  or  night; 

Deprived  of  feet  we  can  not  walk 

In  houses  where  we  go  ; 

The  reason  why  we  do  not  sigh, 

Is  left  for  you  to  know. 

Ever  free  from  care  are  we, 

So  turn  this  book,  and  at  us  look. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  81 

ACROSTIC. 

Through  all  thy  days  give  God  thy  praise, 
He  made  the  sun  on  which  we  gaze, 
Of  wondrous  height ;  'twas  by  his  might 
Millions  of  worlds  sprang  into  sight, 
And  as  they  turn  with  pure  concern, 
Strive,  youth,  with  me,  their  names  to  learn. 

Dick  bids  us  view  yon  sky  so  blue, 
In  which  are  systems,  not  a  few, 
Cloudless  and  free,  methinks  I  see 
Kingdoms  prepared  for  saints  that  be. 

But  ere  we  climb  to  heights  sublime 
Our  souls  must  all  be  free  from  crime, 
Unsullied  by  sin's  deepest  dye, 
Redeemed  and  fitted  for  the  sky. 
Love,  then,  to  pray  to  Christ  the  way  j 
And  since  there  is  a  judgment-day 
Ne'er  let  thy  heart  from  truth  depart, 
Desiring  rest — for  glory  start. 

(A  youth  of  a  Romantic  and  Contemplative  Turn  of  Mind.") 


ACROSTIC. 

It  matters  not  though  poor  I  be, 
Scorn  me  not,  nor  look  at  me 
As  one  who  would  thy  smiles  implore ; 
All  low  down  words  t  do  despise, 
Coming  from  the  rich  or  poor. 

Shall  a  man,  though  poor,  be  forced  to  bow 

His  head  to  one,  though  wealthy,  now, 

Exaggerates  and  lies; 

Let  my  views  be  known  to  all, 

Let  mo  stand  or  let  me  fall, 

I  do  all  whisky  bloats  despise, 

Existing  now  beneath  the  skies. 


32  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Make  truth  thy  study  day  and  night, 
Impressed  with  subjects  shining  bright; 
Christ,  the  Lord,  the  source  of  light, 
Always  cheering  guide  thee  aright. 
Just  think  upon  his  love  so  free, 
All  men  he  bids  from  sin  to  flee  ; 
He  took  our  place  and  died,  that  we, 

Both  young  and  old,  might  angels  be. 
Love  so  great  was  never  known, 
Around  the  earth  his  glories  shone ; 
Coming  from  his  Father's  throne, 
King  Jesus  did  our  sins  atone. 
We  should  not,  then,  forget  to  pray, 
Exposed  to  death,  without  delay, 
Let  us  now  both  in  earnest  say, 
Lord  Jesus,  take  our  sins  away. 

(My  dear  Brother.} 


ACEOSTIC. 

Armed  with  all  power  and  with  love, 
Look  down  on  me  from  heaven  above 
My  only  hope,  my  only  plea, 
Is  that  Jesus  died  for  me. 
Gracious  Father,  Heavenly  King, 
Hear  me  while  thy  praise  I  sing ; 
Though  so  sinful,  though  so  vile, 
Yet  in  mercy  on  me  smile. 

Give  me  grace  from  day  to  day 
On  Thee  to  trust,  and  when  I  pray 
Disperse  my  gloomy  doubts  away. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  33 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  1864-} 

Great  is  thy  name  of  which  we  sing, 
Earth  with  thy  many  victories  ring ; 
Nerved  with  courage,  our  land  to  save, 
Each  danger  thou  dost  gladly  brave. 
Renowned  on  many  a  battle  field, 
A  tower  of  strength  our  foes  must  yield, 
Legions  against  thee,  though  they  wield. 

Justly  by  thy  friends  revered, 
And  by  our  foes  how  greatly  feared ; 
May  thou  upon  each  battle  plain 
Escape,  amid  the  thousand  slain, 
Scathless  the  lead  and  iron  rain. 

Long  after  death,  yes,  ages  long, 
On  history's  page,  in  poet's  song ; 
Nor  dimmed  by  times'  despoiling  hand, 
Great  deeds  like  thine  in  Southern  land 
Shall  live,  and  patriot's  latest  breath 
Tell  how,  amid  the  cries  of  death, 
Rang  out  thy  voi  ce  in  stern  command, 
Encouraging  all  thy  men  to  stand, 
Even  at  the  cannon's  blazing  mouth 
To  save  our  native  land,  the  South ! 
3 


34  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Moments  fast  are  gliding  by  us ; 
In  procession  on  they  hie, 
Speechless,  yet  proclaiming  loudly 
That  we  are  mortal,  and  must  die ; 
Ere  another  day  has  fled, 
Remember,  sir,  we  may  be  dead. 

How  short  our  life,  at  longest,  here ; 
Upon  this  subject  let  us  think, 
Make  efforts  for  to  win  the  skies, 
Ere  to  endless  pain  we  sink. 


ACEOSTIC. 

"While  now 
In  youth, 
Love  God, 
Love  truth ; 
In  strength 
All  glorious, 
March  on 

Victorious. 

May  the  God 
Of  the  free, 
Overruling, 
Nourish  thee. 

(A  boy  about  nine  years  old.) 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


35 


ACEOSTIC. 

Sweet  music  round  this  place  is  ringing, 
Einging  softly — stop  and  hear  j 

Childs  has  come,  just  hear  him  singing, 
He  was  made  our  hearts  to  cheer ; 
It  is  a  piano  he  is  playing — 
Let  us  go  and  near  him  stand, 
Detain  us  not,  for  we  must  buy  it, 
Since  he  keeps  the  best  on  hand. 


ACEOSTIC. 

May  Heaven  inspire  me  now  with  rhyme, 
A  power  to  write  some  pleasing  line ; 
Kich  in  love,  and  rich  in  grace, 
Your  beauty  and  many  charms  to  trace. 


36  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

More  pure  than  the  gems  of  Olympian  stream, 
Inclining  to  good,  of  beauties  the  Queen  ; 
"Seductive  her  charms,  as  a  poet's  young  dream/' 
Supremely  beloved  is  the  maid  of  my  theme. 

Many  beauties  I've  seen,  North,  South,  East  and  "West, 
Acrosticised  hundreds,  in  earnest  and  jest, 
Respected  and  loved  some,  flattered  the  rest, 
Yet  she,  and  she  only,  reigns  Queen  of  my  breast. 

High  above  others  her  accomplishments  soar; 

An  anthem  of  praise  might  be  sung  of  her  lore, 

Never  written  by  Byron,  Scott,  Shakspeare,  or  Moore ; 

Nor  dreamed  of  by  poets  or  painters  of  yore  ! 

And  her  wit  sparkles  bright  amid  pleasure's  throng, 

Heart-thrilling  her  accents,  as  love's  ardent  song. 

Thus  wisdom,  and  beauty,  and  virtue  unite 

Harmonious  in  her,  as  dreams  of  the  night. 

O,  could  I  depict  that  transcendent  delight 

My  heart  felt  when  first  she  enraptured  my  sight  I 

All  trembling  with  transport,  I  gazed  on  her  face, 

Seraphic  she  seemed,  as  an  angel  of  grace. 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  I860.} 

Just  read  the  name  of  him  to  be 
Our  President ;  most  wise  is  he, 
His  cheerful  face,  as  all  agree, 
None  but  his  foes  dislike  to  see. 

Both  parties  can  in  him  repose, 
Every  man,  including  foes  ; 
Law-abiding  man,  he  shows 
Love  for  truth  where'er  he  goes. 

Born  near  Nashville,  Tennessee,  '7<A  and  entered  public  life  during- the  Fed 
eral  Administration  of  John  Quincy  Adnnis,  ;md  in  iSuo  was  run  by  the 
American  Party  as  a  candidate  tor  the  Presidency. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  37 

ACEOSTIC. 

More  fool  than  wise,  more  knave  than  saint, 

And  yet  he  had  so  many  charms, 

Reclining  on  his  chair  of  ease, 

The  people  took  him  to  their  arms  j 

In  all  his  glory  they  saw  him  rise, 

Not  clothed  with  virtue,  but  with  disguise. 

Yows  he  broke  from  day  to  day, 
And  though  he  made  a  great  display, 
No  good  of  him  can  mortal  say. 

But  still  from  us  he  homage  claims, 
Unmindful  of  his  traitorous  aims ; 
Robed  in  the  garments  of  a  foe, 
Enticing  men  with  him  to  go — 
Not  to  heaven,  but  down  below. 

Eighth  President  of  the  United  States.     Born  in  New  York,  December  5,  1782. 
President  from  1837  to  1841 — four  years. 


FABLE— THE  FOX  AND  THE  GOAT. 

A  FOX  having  tumbled  by  chance  into  a  well,  had  been  casting  about  a  long 
^*-  while  to  no  purpose  how  he  should  get  out  again,  when,  at  last,  a  goat 
came  to  the  place,  and  wanting-  a  drink,  asked  Reynaid  whether  the  water  was 
good.  "  Good,"  says  he;  "  aye,  so  sweet  that  I  am  afraid  I  have  surfeited  my 
self,  I  have  drank  so  abundantly."  The  goat,  upon  this,  without  any  more 
ado,  leaped  in,  and  the  fox,  taking  advantage  of  his  horns,  by  the  assistance 
of  them,  as  nimbly  leaped  out,  leaving  the  poor  goat  at  the  bottom  of  the  •well 
to  shift  for  himself. 

THE    APPLICATION. 

The  doctrine  taught  us  by  this  fable  is  no  more  than  this  :  that  we  ought  to 
consider  who  it  is  that  advises  us  before  we  follow  the  advice.  For,  however 
plausible  the  counsel  may  seem,  if  the  person  that  gives  if  is  a  crafty  knaye,  we 
may  be  assured  that  he  intends  to  serve  himself  in  it  more  than  us,  if  not  to 
erect  something  to  his  own  advantage  out  of  our  ruin.  •  '  •  ••" 

The  little,  poor  country  attorney,  ready  to  starve,  and  sunk  to  the  lowest 
depths  of  poverty,  for  want  of  employment,  by  such  arts  as  these,  draws  the 
squire  his  neighbor  into  the  gulf  of  the  law;  until,  laying  hpld  on  the  branches 
of  his  revenue,  he  lifts  himself  out  of  obscurity,  and  leaves'  the  other  immured 
in  the  bottom  of  a  mortgage. 


447993 


38 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL  ACEOSTICS.  39 


ACEOSTIC. 


Lauding  the  good,  we  sing  the  praise 
Of  one  on  whom  we  love  to  gaze ; 
Gifted  and  wise,  thy  name  we  prize, 
Always  cheerful,  obliging,  too, 
Not  erring,  like  ten  thousands  do. 

Did  we  from  thee  but  lessons  take, 

Pear  sir,  we  would  our  sins  forsake, 
And  would  like  thee  pursue  the  right, 
March  on  to  bliss  and  realms  of  light, 
Enchanting  all  as  on  we  go, 
Reproving  wrong,  and  soothing  woe  j 
Of  mortals  we  did  never  see, 
Nor  dreamed  of  one  so  kind  as  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

Each  day,  dear  youth,  read  God's  own  truth, 

Do  all  you  can  to  rise  ; 

Desiring  light  pursue  the  right, 

In  doing  which  'twill  make  you  rich, 

Eternal  in  the  skies. 


40 


ROBERT    BLACKWELL  S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Most  solemn  sight,  to  them  delight, 
As  their  hands  they  willing  join  j 
Roll  on,  ye  years,  be  free  from  cares, 
Rich  flowers  round  their  pathway  twine. 
It  has  been  said  that  those  who  wed 
Are  the  ones  most  free  from  strife  : 
Glad  tidings  to  the  high  and  low, 
Each  man  should  get  a  lovely  wife. 


MORAL  LESSON— HOW  TO  WIN. 

A  MAN  who  is  very  rich  now,  was  very  poor  when  he  was  a 
boy.  When  asked  how  he  got  his  riches,  he  replied:  "My 
father  taught  me  never  to  play  till  my  work  was  finished,  and 
never  to  spend  money  till  I  had  earned  it.  If  -I  had  but  half  an 
hour's  work  to  do  in  a  day,  I  must  do  that  the  first  thing,  and  in 
half  an  hour.  And  after  this  I  was  allowed  to  play;  and  I  could 
then  play  with  much  more  pleasure  than  if  I  had  the  thought  of 
an  unfinished  task  before  my  mind.  I  early  formed  the  habit  of 
doing  everything  in  its  time,  and  it  soon  became  perfectly  easy 
to  do  so.  It  is  to  this  habit  I  owe  my  prosperity." 

Let  every  one  who  reads  this  go  and  do  likwise,  and  he  will 
meet  a  similar  reward. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 


41 


Lovely  maiden,  thy  charms  have  enraptured  my  gaze, 
And  thy  various  accomplishments  challenge  my  praise. 
Unlocked  for,  I  met  thee,  one  cold  winter's  night  j 
Refined  by  all  graces,  like  an  angel  of  light, 
All  thy  songs  and  sweet  smiles  gave  my  heart  true 
delight. 

In  the  days  of  my  boyhood,  an  angelic  form 
Stood  by  me  and  blessed  me  from  evening  till  morn, 
And  thy  form  and  thy  features,  thy  music  and  lore 
Beguile  me,  as  did  that  bright  vision  of  yore. 
Even  now,  in  my  fancy,  thy  image  I  see, 
Like  a  rainbow  of  glory  bending  o'er  me. 

Bright  being  of  beauty,  I  now  bow  at  thy  shrine, 
Reject  not  my  suit,  but  be  mine,  only  mine; 
And  strewed  with  sweet  flowers  thy  pathway  shall  be, 
Gems  right  from  Golconda,  and  pearls  from  the  sea, 
Glad,  glad,  will  I  purchase  and  present  unto  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

Meek,  modest  and  kind, 

And  in  language  refined, 

Respected  by  all,  and  especially  by  me  j 

Yet  who  could  proclaim 

To  the  world  all  thy  charms, 

Should  they  live  while  ages  shall  flee. 
(Of  Tennessee.} 


42  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACKOSTIC. 

While  men  of  sense  still  drink  of  thee, 
How  can  we  hope  mur^h  good  to  see  ? 
It  seems,  indeed,  most  strange  to  me 
Such  men  should  boast  as  being  free ; 
Kept  in  chains,  in  fetters  bound, 
Yet  simple  people  pour  thee  down. 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Address  to  Rum,  Brandy  and  Whisky.) 

Eivers  of  blood  you  cause  to  flow, 
Enslaving  men  where'er  you  go ; 
Vain  are  the  tears  of  babes  or  wife ; 
Endless  cares  you  bring,  and  strife ; 
Love  and  hope  you  banish  quite. 
Remorseless  foes,  how  great  your  might ! 
In  the  strength  of  One  more  strong 
Even  than  the  powers  of  wrong, 
Should  we  learn  your  sight  to  spurn. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  43 


ACEOSTIC. 

Callous-hearted,  ruthless  man, 
He  devised  a  wicked  plan, 
And  took  poor  Lester's  life  away, 
Regardless  of  the  judgment-day  ; 
Let  the  murderer  and  the  knave, 
Executed  by  the  brave, 
Sleep  forgot  within  his  grave. 

Clothed  with  crimes  of  the  blackest  dye, 
Observe  him  when  he  comes  to  die, 
Supported  by  the  sheriff's  hand — 
Guilty  wretch,  he  can  not  stand, 
Reflection  seems  to  cast  him  down  ; 
One  more  step,  his  limbs  are  bound 
Very  close,  and  soon  he  swings, 
Encountering  death  with  all  its  stings. 
Who  was  hung  at  Little  Rock,  Arkansas,  185 9,  for  killing  a 
man  for  his  money. 


44  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

The  prettiest  and   the   neatest,   the   lovliest  and   the 

sweetest 
Here  I  see  j 
Each  one  possessing  worth,  all  full  of  life  and  mirth, 

Laughing  free 

At  things  that  please  them  most,  and  while  of  them  I 

boast, 

Dearest  me, 

I  wish  the  world  but  knew  how  noble,  wise  and  true 
Each  seems  to  be 
Sent  as  from  the  skies,  to  make  men  truly  wise, 

And  religious,  too ; 

To  soothe  their  hearts  with  joy,  my  pen  I  will  employ, 

Though  my  words  be  few ; 

How  can  I  love  them  less,  when  they,  indeed,  possess 

Each  virtue  true  ? 

Claiming  as  a  prize,  a  home  beyond  the  skies, 

Hoping  for  bliss, 

And  bidding  me  to  follow,  though  I  am  not  worth  one 

dollar. 

Let  me  think  of  this ; 
Yon  heaven,  which  they   seek,  was  made   for   all  the 

meek, 

Beckoning  me  away, 

Enchanting  as  they  move,  toward  the  place  they  love, 
And  like  a  ray, 

They  cheer  me  all  the  while,  and  when  on  me  they  smile, 
Enriched  I  seem ; 

And  for  each  person  here,  we  have  water  good  and  clear, 

Cooling  to  drink, 

Increasing  as  it  flows,  a  balm  for  earthly  woes ; 

Do  not  let  it  sink ; 

So  long  as  time  shall  glide,  and  men  on  earth  abide, 

Proclaim  its  worth  ; 

Bushing  from  a  hill,  though  it  can  not  turn  a  mill, 

It  cures  the  sick ; 

No  one  should  doubt  my  word,  though  they  have  not 

of  it  heard ; 
Gather  round  it  quick. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


45 


ACEOSTIC. 

That  deer  we  see  is  now  in  danger, 
Hemmed  around  by  deadly  foes  j 
Each  one  to  him  a  total  stranger, 

Craves  to  catch  him  by  the  nose  ; 
He  seems  to  dread  the  thought  of  dying, 
As,  leaping  o'er  those  mighty  logs, 
Swiftly,  swiftly,  now  see  him  flying, 
Ere  long  to  be  but  food  for  dogs. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Seen  through  no  glass,  to  the  naked  eye 
They  look  like  gems  set  in  the  sky; 
And  yet  they  are  but  planets  high; 
Eevolving  round  ten  thousand  suns, 
Swift,  yet  smooth  as  water  runs. 


46 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  47 

ACEOSTIC. 

Just  view  the  place  where  Jesus  first 

Embraced  the  sons  of  earth  ; 

Bound  it  he  walked,  and  preached  to  men 

Undying  words  of  worth, 

Salvation  free  to  rich  and  poor, 

And  peace  he  came  to  bring ; 

Look  now  at  it  and  Christ  adore, 

Ere  long  in  it  the  Lord  will  reign 

More  glorious  than  before. 


ACEOSTIC. 

A  business  place,  healthy  and  neat, 

The  point  where  four  great  railroads  meet  j 

Laureled  with  cars,  a  good  supply — 

All  the  time  those  cars  are  rolling, 

Never  tiring,  how  consoling, 

They  bring  us  things  for  which  we  sigh, 

And  things  we  need,  as  none  deny. 


ACEOSTIC. 

From  what  I  see,  some  seek  for  thee, 
As  something  worthy  greeting ; 
Missing  their  aim,  they  thee  proclaim 
Elusive,  worthless,  fleeting. 


48  KOBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

His  race  is  run,  his  work  is  done, 

Our  statesman  and  our  friend  ; 

No  more  will  we  his  features  see, 

Or  to  his  speech  attend. 

Bich  and  the  poor  his  loss  deplore, 

And  we  that  loved  him  well 

Bewail  the  day  he  passed  away, 

Leaving  us  in  tears  to  dwell. 

Earth'p  fleeting  breath  was  lost  in  death, 

Descending  to  the  tomb, 

Around  his  grave  bright  laurels  wave, 

Ne'er  may  they  cease  to  bloom. 

In  circles  high  death's  arrows  fly, 

Each  one  bringeth  sorrow  ; 

Life's  fleeting  ray  did  pass  away, 

"When  death  he  hurled  his  arrow 

Equaled  by  few  we  ever  knew, 

Brilliant  the  road  he  trod, 

Serene  in  death,  gave  back  his  breath 

To  Christ,  his  mighty  God. 

Earth  felt  the  blow  when  he  sunk  low; 

Refulgent  still  his  virtues  glow. 

(Written  on  his  Death.) 


ACROSTIC. 

Prized  for  thy  worth, 
Haste  on  thy  way, 
Influenced  by 
Love's  cheering  ray. 

Cast  all  thy  care 
Here  on  the  Lord, 
Expecting  he 
Will  thee  reward. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


49 


ACEOSTIC. 

Red  fire  of  hell — uncooling  drink, 
Unpitying  foe,  now  stop  and  think, 
Make  men  no  more  to  ruin  sink. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Blasting  hopes  of  man  and  wife, 
Heal  source  of  grief  and  strife ; 
A  curse  on  land,  a  curse  on  sea, 
No  man  of  sense  will  drink  of  thee  j 
Drying  all  the  vitals  up, 
Yet  fools  this  poison  daily  sup. 


50 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


JOHN  QUINCY  ADAMS. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  51 

ACEOSTIC. 

People  of  this  and  distant  climes 
Eegarded  him  as  one  of  worth  ; 
Each  knowing  him,  did  him  adore, 
So  long  as  he  remained  on  earth. 
In  learning  none  could  him  excel, 
Discussion  was  to  him  delight ; 
Exploring  was  his  mind,  but  still 
Ne'er  was  he  known  to  swerve  from  right. 
Think  of  the  height  to  which  he  rose, 

Jeweled  with  fame's  bright  diadem  j 
Of  those  he  was  surrounded  by 
He  stood  above  the  best  of  them. 
Now  if-you  wish  to  blot  his  name 

Quite  from  beneath  the  sky, 

Uplift  the  sea  first  from  its  bed, 

Its  mighty  waves  defy ; 

Not  only  so,  but  make  the  stars 

Cease,  at  your  word,  to  run, 

Yon  silver  moon,  too,  pluck  it  down, 

And  paralyze  the  sun ; 
Do  all  which  we  have  named  above, 
And  then  you  can,  no  doubt, 
Make  men  forget  his  useful  life, 
Sweep,  too,  his  memory  out. 

Sixth  President  of  the  United  States.     Born  in  Massachusetts,  July  u,  1767, 
President  from  1825  to  1829 — four  years.     Died  February  23,  1848. 


MORAL  LESSON.— CICERO. 

The  great  Roman  orator  was  one  day  sneered  at  by  one  of  his 
opponents,  a  mean  man  of  noble  lineage,  on  account  of  his  low 
parentage,.  "You  are  the  first  of  your  line,"  said  the  railer. 
"And  you,"  replied  Cicero,  "are  the  last  of  yours. 


52 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


GENEKAL  ANDKEW  JACKSON. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  53 

ACEOSTIC. 

Great  and  noble,  brave  and  free, 

Ever  faithful,  kind  was  he ; 

No  one  could  bend  his  iron  will, 

Earth  could  not  his  spirit  quell ; 

Read  his  exploits  o'er  and  o'er, 

And  you'll  love  him  more  and  more. 

Low  though  he  sleeps,  his  virtues  shine, 

And  will  until  the  end  of  time. 

Now  go  with  him  through  all  life's  scenes, 

Down  to  the  battle  of  New  Orleans ; 

Eespect  the  course  he  is  pursuing, 

Enter  on  the  battle's  plain, 

"Witness  the  dying  and  the  slain ; 

Judge  from  what  you  see  him  doing, 

All  his  efforts  were  not  vain ; 

Cities  though  are  saved  from  ruin. 

Kindled  is  the  very  air, 

See  the  British  in  despair, 

On  each  foe  destruction  hurled, 

Now  his  fame  surrounds  the  world. 

Seventh  President  of  the  United  States.     Born  in  North  Carolina,  March  15, 
1767.     President  from  1829  to  1837 — eight  years.     Died  June  8,  1845. 


MORAL  LESSON. 

Lord  Tenderden,  who  was  the  son  of  a  barber,  had  too  much 
good  sense  to  feel  any  false  shame  on  that  account.  It  is  related 
of  him,  that  when,  in  an  early  period  of  his  professional  career, 
a  brother  barrister,  with  whom  he  happened  to  have  a  quarrel, 
had  the  bad  taste  to  twit  him  on  his  origin,  his  manly  and  severe 
reply  was,  "  Yes,  sir,  I  am  the  son  of  a  barber  ;  if  you  had  been 
the  son  of  a  barber  you  would  have  been  a  barber  yourself. 


54 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


JAMES  K.  POLK. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  55 

ACEOSTIC. 

Justice  and  truth  he  loved  from  his  youth, 
And,  as  in  years,  he  grew  old, 
More  wise  he  became,  till  he  won  a  proud  name, 
Ever  to  be  bright ;  while  stars  give  us  light, 
Shall  the  world  of  his  wisdom  be  told. 

Kindest  of  men,  there  ne'er  was  a  pen 

Pointed  with  gems  could  praise  him  too  high ; 
O'er  the  statesman  true  now  hundreds  we  view, 
Lamenting  the  hour  when  God,  by  his  power, 
Kindled  disease  and  caused  him  to  die. 

Eleventh  President  of  the  United  States.  Born  in  North  Carolina,  November 
2,  1795.  President  from  1845  to  1849 — four  years.  Died  June  15,  1849. 
Glory  to  his  name  and  peace  to  his  ashes, 


His  fame  it  will  last  while  ages  go  past, 
Kind  husband,  great  statesman,  though  dead, 
Our  people  do  boast  of  his  valor  and  trust, 
On  the  marble  which  covers  his  head. 

(Inscribed  to  Mrs.  James  K.  Polk.} 


MORft.L  LESSON— KNOCKING  AWAY  THE  PROPS. 

"  See,  father,"  said  a  lad  who  was  walking  with  his  father, 
"they  are  knocking  away  the  props  from  under  the  bridge. 
What  are  they  doing  that  for?  Won't  the  bridge  fall?" 

"  They  are  knocking  them  away,"  said  the  father,  "that  the 
timbers  may  rest  more  firmly  upon  the  stone  piers  which  are 
now  finished." 

THE  APPLICATION. 

God  often  takes  away  our  earthly  props,  that  we  may  rest  more  family  on  him. 
God  sometimes  takes  away  a  man's  health  that  he  may  rest  upon  him  for  his 
daily  bread.  Before  his  health  failed,  though,  perhaps,  he  repeated  daily  the 
words,  "  Give  us  this  day  our  daily  bread,"  he  looked  to  his  own  industry  for 
that  which  he  asked  of  God.  That  prop  being  taken  away,  he  rested  wholly  on 
God's  bounty.  When  he  receives  his  bread,  he  receives  it  as  the  gift  of  God. 
God  takes  away  our  friends,  that  we  may  look  to  him  for  sympathy.  When  our 
affections  •were  exercised  on  objects  around  us,  when  we  rejoiced  in  their  abun 
dant  sympathy,  we  did  not  feel  the  use  of  Divine  sympathy ;  but  when  they 
were  taken  away  we  felt  our  need  of  God's  sympathy  and  support.  We  were 
brought  to  realize  thathe  alone  can  give  support,  and  form  an  adequate  portion 
for  the  soul.  Thus  are  our  earthly  props  removed,  that  we  may  rest  firmly  and 
wholly  upon  God. 


56  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Denouncer  of  wrong  and  defender  of  right, 
Occupying  a  place  resplendently  bright, 
Commanding  our  songs,  our  homage  and  our  praise ; 
Though  having  strong  vision,  on  thee  when  we  gaze, 
Our  eyes  are  dazzled,  for  we  see  so  much  light 
Eeflected  from  thee  that  we  scarcely  can  write. 

We  wish  thee  much  pleasure  through  all  coming  days, 
And  thy  most  charming  bride,  deserving  our  praise, 

Convinced  of  her  merits,  her  graces  and  worth, 
Having  wed  her,  the  best  of  mortals  on  earth, 
Extol  her,  protect  her,  each  day  through  the  year, 
And,  others  forsaking,  her  presence  prefer ; 
'Twill  give  her  true  joy  thy  affection  to  tell, 
Her  face  wreathed  with  smiles,  all  confusion  to  quell, 
And  drive  away  darkness,  preventing  all  strife, 
Making  thousands  adore  both  thee  and  thy  wife. 


TAKE  WAENING. 

The  judgment-day  is  just  ahead, 
And  ere  one  hundred  years  be  fled 
All  those  now  living  will  be  dead 
And  sleeping  in  their  narrow  bed. 

Then  let  us  all  from  slumber  wake, 
And  this  resolve  with  firmness  make 
"We  will  at  once  our  sins  forsake, 
And  the  bright  road  to  glory  take. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  57 


ACEOSTIC. 

Hold  her  canvass  to  the  breeze, 
O'er  the  waves  she  rides  with  ease, 
Praise  to  God,  of  our  life  the  giver, 
Each  one  from  harm  he  can  deliver. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Most  worthy  and  sweet, 
A  mirror  of  light ; 
Glittering  like  diamonds, 
Glorious  and  bright ; 
Industrious,  and  giving 
Each  mortal  delight ; 

Captivating  our  hearts, 

Firm,  faithful  each  day. 

On  thy  name  when  we  write, 

X  stands  in  the  way. 


58  ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Directed  by  wisdom, 
Onward  he  hies, 
Co-acting  with  men, 
Those  seeking  a  prize 
Of  glories  now  shining 
Remote  in  the  skies. 

In  all  his  acts 
Such  grandeur  we  see, 
As  beggars  description ; 
A  mortal  more  free 
Can  never  be  found, 

Nor  desired  to  be. 

Concerning  his  goodness, 
Of  this  we  are  sure, 
Like  a  Christian  he  tries 
Each  person  to  cure. 

(Of  Halifax  county,  Fa.) 


May  all  thy  days  be  days  of  bliss, 
In  this  low  world  of  care ; 
Solid  and  lasting  peace  is  this 
To  have  of  death  no  fear. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


59 


ACEOSTIC. 

Though  tea,  you  know,  caused  blood  to 
Extol  it  still,  I  trust  you  will, 
And  buy  of  me,  and  let  me  go. 


ACEOSTIC. 

All  admire  thy  beauty,  thy  streets  are  so  wide, 
Undefiled  by  drunkards,  few  passing  this  way ; 
Green  wave  thy  tall  trees,  of  rich  Georgia  the  pride, 
Undergoing  a  change,  for  the  better,  each  day, 
Spreading  and  lengthening ;  here  thousands  have  rolled 
To  greet  their  true  friends  and  companions  of  old, 
And  made,  by  industry,  ten  thousands  of  gold. 


60  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Read  her  life,  ye  rich  and  poor, 
Unbounded  praises  to  her  give ; 
Though  she  died  in  days  of  yore, 
Her  virtuous  name  will  ever  live, 

(The  Moabitess.') 


ACEOSTIC. 

Majestic  and  rich,  her  name  we  adore, 
A  comfort  to  all,  to  the  rich  and  the  poor; 
Revealing  true  worth  to  the  men  of  each  State, 
Yet  half  of  her  charms  we  can  not  relate  j 
Look  at  her  cities  and  mansions  around, 
Alive  with  sweet  ladies,  for  heauty  renowned : 
Neat  and  most  lovely,  behold  them,  we  pray, 
Directing  their  course  to  the  mansions  of  day. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  61 

ACEOSTIC. 

Gladly  dost  thou  pursue  the  right, 
Each  one  with  news  supplying; 
Of  mental,  moral  courage  bright, 
Reflecting  worth  undying. 
Go  on,  go  on,  from  strength  to  might, 
Each  foe  of  thine  defying ; 

Keeping  thy  friends  with  news  on  hand, 
Noble  sir,  most  learn'd,  profound, 
Although  we  live  in  a  distant  land, 
Papers  which  we  receive  from  thee 
Proclaim  to  all  thy  merits  round. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Meek  one,  most  true,  with  eyes  so  blue, 
All  knowing  heap  their  praise  on  you  j 
Eespected  by  the  great  and  high, 
Your  sterling  worth  none  can  deny. 

Such  beauty  we  did  never  see — 
Earth  with  your  praise  is  ringing  free ; 
Reflecting  light  your  features  bright 
Enchant  us,  like  the  stars  at  night ; 
Not  only  so,  when  grown,  we  trow, 
All  men  on  you  will  praise  bestow. 

Dear  girl,  each  day  for  you  we  pray, 
And  will,  while  on  this  earth  we  stay ; 
Most  willing,  too,  and  trust  that  you 
Each  hour  will  keep  the  grave  in  view, 
Eemembering  all,  both  great  and  small, 
On  earth  must  die ;  so  daily  try, 
Now,  with  the  good  and  wise  to  vie. 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Ever  virtuous, 
Lovely,  too, 
In  religon  foremost 
Zealous  and  true, 
Alluring  to  good, 
Bold  to  defend, 
Ever  kind  j 
True  to  the  end 
Her  spirit  lives, 

Defying  death, 
Ever  bright 
Among  the  saints 
Now  in  light. 


GRIEF. 

Like  the  lily, 

That  once  was  mistress  of  the  field,  and  flourished, 
I'll  hang  my  head,  and  perish. — Shaksfeare. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  63 

ACEOSTIC. 

'Tis  vain  to  try  to  please  such  folks, 
Holding  their  heads  like  towering  oaks  j 
Each  wrapped  in  self,  can  plainly  see 

Some  error  in  all  men  that  be 

Except  themselves,  in  whom  they  view 

Learning,  wit,  and  grandeur,  too. 

Forgetting  all  but  self  alone, 

In  search  of  wealth,  to  evil  prone  : 

Such  living  thus  and  dying  so, 

How  can  they  up  to  glory  go  ? 


ACEOSTIC. 

Dear  little  State,  to  thee  we  confess 
Each  beauty  of  thine  we  can  not  express ; 
Language  would  fail  us  to  tell  of  thy  charms, 
Adorned  with  fine  houses,  fine  cities,  fine  farms ; 
With  ladies  most  lovely,  as  the  learned  will  agree, 
And  gentlemen  from  all  vices  quite  free, 
Eich  and  refined  in  the  arts  of  true  worth, 
Extending  thy  fame  to  the  ends  of  the  earth. 


In  all  our  transactions  with  mankind,  even  in  the  most  private  and 
low  life,  we  should  have  a  special  regard  how,  and  with  whom,  we 
trust  ourselves.  Men,  in  this  respect,  ought  to  look  upon  each  other 
as  wolves,  and  to  keep  themselves  under  a  secure  guard,  and  in  a 
continual  posture  of  defense.  Particularly  upon  any  treaties  of  im 
portance  the  securities  on  both  sides  should  he  strictly  considered,  and 
each  should  act  with  so  cautious  a  view  to  their  own  interest  as  never 
to  pledge  or  part  with  that  which  is  the  very  essence  and  basis  of 
their  safety  and  well-being. 


64 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


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ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  65 

ACEOSTIC. 

Go,  read  the  history  of  the  earth, 
Each  book,  and  try  to  find 
One  man  so  loved  for  sterling  worth 
Respected,  more  refined — 
Greater  and  of  a  better  birth, 
Endeared  more  to  mankind. 

We  read,  that  ere  to  fight  he  went, 
All  brave  of  heart  to  do  and  dare, 
Some  one  beheld  our  hero  bent, 
His  God  to  seek  in  humble  prayer. 
In  that  behold  his  faith  in  God — 
Not  in  the  prowess  of  his  sword. 
Great  chieftain,  gift  of  heaven  above, 
There  never  was  a  man 
On  earth  deserved  more  praise  or  love, 
Not  e'en  since  time  began. 

First  President  of  the  United  States.    Born  in  Virginia,  Feb.  22, 1732. 
President  from  1789  to  1797— eight  years.    Died  Dec.  1,  1799. 


MOEAL  LESSON— WASHINGTON'S  FILIAL  PIETY. 

George  "Washington,  when  young,  was  ahout  to  go  to  sea  as  a  mid 
shipman;  everything  was  arranged;  the  vessel  lay  opposite  his  father's 
house ;  the  little  boat  had  come  on  shore  to  take  him  off,  and  his  whole 
heart  was  bent  on  going.  After  his  trunk  had  been  carried  down  to 
the  boat,  he  went  to  bia  his  mother  farewell,  and  saw  the  tears  burst 
ing  from  her  eyes.  However,  he  said  nothing  to  her;  but  he  saw  that 
his  mother  would  be  distressed  if  he  went,  and,  perhaps,  never  be 
happy  again.  He  just  turned  round  to  the  servant  and  said:  "Go  and 
tell  them  to  fetch  my  trunk ;  I  will  not  go  to  break  my  mother's 
heart."  His  mother  was  struck  with  his  decision,  and  she  said  to  him : 
"  George,  God  has  promised  to  bless  the  children  that  honor  their 
parents,  and  I  believe  that  he  will  bless  you."  The  young  man  who 
thus  honored  his  parents  was  afterwards  honored  by  his  countrymen, 
and  will  be  to  the  end  of  time. 

5 


66  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Through  thee  the  loveliest  rivers  glide, 
Enriching  thee  on  every  side. 
No  truer  hearts  a  State  can  boast, 
No  fairer  maidens  love  can  toast. 
Each  rill  of  thine  is  dear  to  me, 
Sweet  land,  most  lovely  Tennessee. 
So  long  as  life  this  heart  shall  warm, 
E'er  to  thee  my  thoughts  will  turn, 
Emblem  of  the  Eternal  One.* 

Trinity  in  Unity,  three  States  by  natural  division,  yet  one  in  fact. 


ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  in  1868.} 

Subjugated,  insulted,  too, 

On  every  hand  are  we, 

Nor  can  we  well  our  course  pursue 

So  long  as  Brownlow,  he 

Opposes  us  in  all  we  do, 

From  East  to  West,  and  does  his  best 

To  crush  poor  Tennessee. 
Elated  at  the  very  thought — 
Nefarious,  heartless  knave ; 
Now  view  him  on  his  level  brought, 
Even  sunk  beneath  a  slave, 
Stealing  from  us,  he  thinks  we  ought 
Succumb  to  him,  and  crave, 
Even  by  negroes,  to  be  taught, 
Ere  we  his  anger  brave. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


67 


ACKOSTIO. 

(Composed  in  I860.} 
Surpassed  by  none  beneath  the  sun, 
At  his  face  we  love  to  gaze ; 

Dull  care  begone,  from  morn  till  morn. 
One  so  wise  we  love  to  praise ; 
Untainted  by  corruption's  dye, 
Generous  man,  possessing  worth, 
Let  every  State  his  acts  relate, 
And  spread  his  fame,  and  him  proclaim 
Superior  to  the  sons  of  earth. 


MORAL  LESSON— A  WOMAN'S  PROMISE. 

Henry  Carey,  cousin  to  Queen  Elizabeth,  after  having  enjoyed  her  majesty's 
favor  for  several  years,  lost  it  in  the  following  manner :  As  he  was  walking  one 
day,  full  of  thought,  in  the  garden  ol  the  palace,  under  the  Queen's  window,  she 
perceived  him,  and  said  to  himj  in  a  jocular  manner:  "What  does  a  man  think 
of  when  he  is  thinking  of  nothing  ?" 

"  Upon  a  woman's  promise,"  said  Carey. 

"  Well  done,  cousin,"  answered  Elizabeth. 

She  retired,  but  did  not  forget  Carey's  answer.  Some  time  after  he  solicited 
the  honor  of  a  peerage,  and  reminded  the  queen  that  she  had  promised  it  to  him. 

"  True,"  replied  she,  "  but  that  was  a  woman's  promise." 


68  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Henceforth  we  are  of  him  bereft, 
Of  him  who  won  a  name 
No  other  mortal  man  has  left 
On  these  low  shores  of  fame. 
Rising  from  youth  to  fame  and  might, 
And  with  the  wise  and  great, 
Benign  he  labored,  day  and  night, 
Long  grievance  to  abate ; 
Endeared  to  us  and  deep  in  thought, 

He  did  his  wit  display, 
Even  those  who  his  ruin  sought 
No  harm  of  him  could  say, 
Refuting  every  doctrine  bad, 
Yet  craving  not  a  name; 

Calm,  and  in  his  right  mind  clad, 
Leaped  up  to  wealth  and  fame. 
At  Washington  he  passed  away, 
Yet  his  fame  will  ne'er  decay. 

(Written  on  his  death.) 


ACROSTIC. 

Respected  by 
Each  mortal  true, 
Victorious  on 

The  right  pursue ; 
Make  all  you  can 

From  sin  to  flee ; 
In  doing  which 
Now  pray  that  we 
Not  one  may  err; 
Each  loving  worth 
Your  name  revere. 


OKIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


ACEOSTIC. 

So  lovely  and  sweet,  with  virtues  complete, 

And  a  mind  unclouded  and  pure, 

Begard  what  I  write ; 

Although  'tis  night, 

Had  I  wings  I'd  fly  to  thy  door. 

Proud  to  tell,  I  love  thee  so  well, 

My  affections  are  flowing  to  thee. 
One  word  more,  I  pray — 
Observe  what  I  say, 
Next  week  be  looking  for  me. 

(Of  Madison  County,  Mississippi.') 


VIRTUE. 

His  hand  the  good  man  fastens  on  the  skies, 

And  bids  earth  roll,  nor  feels  her  idle  whirl. — YOUNG. 


70  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 
(Composed  on  her  losing  her  Mother  and  only  Daughter.) 

Sweet  sister,  cease  to  fret  and  pine 
About  departed  friends  of  thine ; 
Remember  now  they  brightly  shine, 
And  sing  of  their  Redeemer's  love, 
High  in  the  realms  of  bliss  above. 

All  their  tears  have  ceased  to  flow, 
No  parting  there,  no  death,  no  woe, 
Nor  chilling  winds  in  heaven  blow. 

The  Word  of  Life  to  them  was  sweet, 
It  led  them  to  the  Savior's  feet ; 
They  lived  in  peace  and  love  with  all, 
So  long  as  on  this  earthly  ball ; 
"We  little  thought  their  end  was  nigh ; 
Of  death  they  speak,  and  without  a  sigh 
Rejoiced  that  they  were  born  to  die; 
They  loved  the  Lord,  and  loved  the  day 
He  called  them  from  the  earth  away. 

(Of  Crawford  County,  Arkansas.) 


ACROSTIC. 

Source  of  heat  and  source  of  light, 
Upholding  by  thy  strength  and  might 
Numerous  seas  and  planets  bright. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  71 


ACROSTIC. 

Accomplished  one,  most  kind  and  free, 
No  one  on  land,  no  one  on  sea 
Need  ever  hope  to  vie  with  thee. 

How  it  thrills  my  heart  to  write 
On  one  so  lovely  and  so  bright; 
With  a  form  so  good  and  fine, 
And  virtues  which  doth  sweetly  shine 
Resplendent  as  a  heavenly  ray 
Descending  from  the  orb  of  day. 

(Of  Conway  County)  Arkansas.) 


SYMPATHY, 

Nature  has  cast  me  in  so  soft  a  mold, 
That  but  to  hear  a  story  feigned  for  pleasure, 
Of  some  sad  lover's  death,  moistens  my  eyes, 
And  robs  me  of  my  manhood. — DRYDEN. 


72  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Go  on,  go  on,  from  strength  to  strength, 

Enterprising,  and  at  length 

One  more  railroad  will  be  done, 

Ready  for  the  cars  to  run. 

Go  on,  go  on,  improvements  make, 

It  is  time  for  States  to  wake, 

And  from  thee  some  lessons  take. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Country  far  renowned  for  gold, 
And  for  soil,  rich  and  new, 
Lofty  hills  and  torrents  bold, 
Immense  streams,  and  branches,  too, 
Flow  through  thy  hills  of  old. 
O  happy  land,  illustrious  one, 
Richest,  brightest  clime  that  be, 
No  land,  no  State  beneath  the  sun, 
In  all  God's  wide  dominion  free, 
Acquires  wealth  so  fast  as  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

Adorned  with  fields  of  cotton  white, 
Realm  of  wealth  and  realm  of  light, 
Keeping  step  with  States  that  be 
Allied  to  all  the  brave  and  free. 
New,  yet  firm  and  brave  she  stands, 
Supporting  those  who  till  her  lands ; 
And  from  men  beyond  the  sea 
She  buys  her  coffee,  spice  and  tea. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  73 


ACEOSTIC. 

Equaled  by  none  of  any  station, 
Made  up  of  virtues  shining  bright ; 
Men  of  sense,  of  education, 
Acknowledge  thee  a  shining  light. 

Thou  are  the  idol  of  the  day, 
Honored  by  the  young  and  old, 
One  more  rich,  and  one  more  gay, 
My  eyes  did  never  yet  behold  j 
And  yet  to  think  that  we  must  part, 
Sends  pain  and  auguish  to  my  heart. 

(O/  Sunflower.} 


ACEOSTIC. 

Still  upward  gaze, 

Pour  forth  thy  praise, 

Entreating  God  our  land  to  save ; 

No  one  we  see 

Compares  with  thee, 

Except  the  noble,  good  and  brave. 

Eedeemed  by  love, 

Continue  to  prove, 

Eeligion  can  the  heart  refine  ; 

Our  sins  subdue, 

Giving  us,  too, 

Essential  joys  for  which  we  pine. 

(Of  Memphis.} 


74 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ZACHAEY  TAYLOE. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  75 

ACEOSTIC. 

Zealous  was  -he  to  keep  us  all  free, 

And  to  march  us  in  triumph  o'er  the  powers  that  be ; 

Counselor  and  chief  in  the  days  of  our  grief, 

He  flew  to  our  aid,  and  gave  us  relief ; 

As  a  true  worthy  son,  our  battles  he  won, 

Rushing  on  foes  he  made  them  all  run, 

Yelling  like  hounds  at  the  crack  of  a  gun. 

The  glance  of  his  eye  made  the  Mexicans  fly, 
All  dreading  his  sword  and  fearing  to  die ; 
Yet  thousands  withstood  our  General  so  good, 
Leaving  his  men  to  tread  in  the  blood 
Of  cowards  and  foes  who  slept  in  repose, 
Requiring  some  one  their  eyelids  to  close. 

Born  in  Virginia,  November  24,  1784.    President  from  March  4,  1849,  to  bis 
death,  July  9,  1850— one  year,  four  months  and  five  days. 


MORAL  LESSON— THE  TWO  RIVERS. 

Evil  communications  (associations)  corrupt  good  manners. 

The  waters  of  the  Mississippi  and  Missouri  unite  and  form  one 
river.  The  water  of  the  latter  is  exceedingly  turbid,  and  the 
former  clear.  When  they  first  meet  the  waters  refuse  to  mingle. 
The  clear  and  muddy  water  flows  along,  forming  one  river ;  but 
you  can  clearly  distinguish  the  one  from  the  other.  By  degrees 
the  clear,  bright  waters  of  the  one  become  united  with  those  of 
the  other,  and  the  clearness  is  lost  forever. 

THE   APPLICATION. 

Virtuous  and  vicious  persons  can  associate  for  a  time,  keeping 
their  characters  distinct.  But  if  the  associations  be  continued, 
the  virtuous,  pure  character  will  become  soiled  by  the  vicious. 
No  one  can  associate  freely  with  the  wicked  without  becoming 
in  some  measure  like  them. 


76  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Distinguished  for  thy  skill,  to  save 

Our  fellow-men  when  near  the  grave ; 

Cross  mighty  streams  thy  drugs  to  test, 

They  being  the  purest  and  the  best, 

Of  vital  strength,  more  prized  than  wealth, 

Eestores  the  sick  to  perfect  health. 

Just  such  a  man  we  love  to  view, 
Learn' d  in  Greek  and  Latin,  too. 

Continue  on  thy  bright  career, 
Our  people  cheering  far  and  near, 
Loving  thy  friends,  when  near  the  grave, 
Exert  thy  skill  each  one  to  save. 

(My  Mother's  Youngest  Brother,  Greensboro,  N.  (7.) 


ACEOSTIC. 

Composed  of  vapors  shining  bright, 
Of  wondrous  size,  yet  harmless  light, 
Men  view  thee  as  a  burning  ball, 
Expecting  soon  to  see  thee  fall 
To  this  low  world,  and  kill  us  all. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Luminous,  most  useful,  most  lovely  to  scan, 
It  falls  directly  or  obliquely  on  man, 
Graceful  in  carriage,  and  pleasing  to  behold, 
Highly  prized,  yea,  precious  as  gold, 
The  thing  we  most  need  to  cheer  us  when  old. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  77 

ACROSTIC. 

Go  on  thy  way, 
Each  day  and  night, 
Opposing  wrong, 
Reflecting  right, 
Glittering  like 
Each  planet  bright. 

How  few  on  earth 

Can  vie  with  thee, 
Light  from  thine  eye 
It  flashes  free, 
Not  only  so 
Thy  preaching,  sir, 
Our  inmost  souls 
Ne'er  fails  to  stir. 

Doctor  Clinton. 

Surrounded  by  friends 

The  church  he  attends 

Each  cloudy,  as  well  as  fair  days , 

Sweet  peace  there  finding, 

His  features  all  shining — 

Now  hear  him,  for  sinners  he  prays  j 

Then  rising  at  once 

His  Bible  he  reads, 

Obeying  what  Jesus  commands; 

May  the  King  of  the  sky 

Permit  him  to  die 

Shouting  and  clapping  his  hands. 


78  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Notwithstanding  the  Bourbons  had  set  a  price  upon  his 

head, 

And  though  our  hero  knew  it,  of  them  he  had  no  dread ; 
Perceiving  everywhere,  as  on  he  did  advance, 
Old  veterans  all  desired  to  make  him  king  of  France ; 
Like  thunder  peals    from  heaven,  the  people  shout 

around — 

"Emperor,  live  forever,  and  put  the  Bourbons  down  !" 
On  his  cheeks  they  printed  their  kisses,  warm  and  true, 
National  Guards  and  volunteers  all  to  his  succor  flew, 

Because  they  looked  upon  him  as  on  their  rightful  king, 
Owning  him  as  worthy — did  of  his  victories  sing ; 
Not  fearing  but  he  was  able  to  succor  the  distressed, 
And  lift  the   yoke   of   bondage    from   brothers   sore 

oppressed. 

Passing  on  and  onward,  our  hero  shortly  stands 
Among  the  streets  of  Paris,  with  victory  in  his  hands ; 
Revived  were  all  the  people,  and  through  the  livelong 

night, 
Ten  thousand  men  were  saying,  and  that  with  true 

delight, 
"  Emperor,  live  forever,  and  put  thy  foes  to  flight ! 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  79 

ACEOSTIC. 
Most  lovely  one, 
I  know  of  none 

So  learned  as  thee  beneath  the  sun ; 
Thine  eyes  are  bright, 
[Reflecting  light, 

Enrapturing  me  with  true  delight  j 
So  do  not  scorn  at  me,  forlorn, 
Since  on  thy  name  I  love  to  write. 

Made  for  to  cheer, 

And  wipe  each  tear 

Rolling  down  from  eyes  most  dear ; 

The  humble  poor 

Haste  to  thy  door, 

And  feed  upon  thy  bounteous  store. 

Pleased  with  worth, 

Relieving  dearth. 

In  the  highest  circles  on  the  earth, 

Nymphs  we  see 

Conversing  free, 

Endeavoring  hard  to  vie  with  thee. 

(O/  Sunflower  County,  Miss.} 


80  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Neater  by  far  than  a  fine  gold  ring, 
And  once  on  a  time,  hearing  her  sing, 
Nightingales  came,  her  presence  to  greet, 
Conscious  that  they  her  music  could  beat, 
Yet  failing  in  this,  did  quickly  retreat, 

Resolving  no  more  in  the  land  to  be  heard. 
Excelled  at  last,  by  a  mortal  endeared, 
Visions  of  glory  all  vanished  away ; 
Each  fearing  to  speak,  did  secretly  say 
She  sang  more  sweet  than  an  angel  to-day. 

(Of  Carroll  County,  Miss.} 


ACROSTIC. 

Fairest  one,  in  thee  we  find 
A  virtuous,  pure,  contented  mind ; 
Not  only  learned,  not  only  wise ; 
No  man  of  sense  can  fail  to  prize 
Your  captivating,  lovely  eyes. 

Shedding  light  on  all  that  be, 
Making  men  to  bow  to  thee ; 
In  vain  they  bow,  in  vain  they  chat, 
They  tell  thee  this,  they  tell  thee  that, 
Hear  them  not,  but  marry  me. 

(Of  Springfield,  Mo.} 


PRAISE. 

The  love  of  praise,  howe'er  concealed  by  art, 
Reigns,  more  or  less,  and  glows  in  every  heart ; 
The  proud,  to  gain  it,  toils  on  toils  endure, 
The  modest  shun  it  but  to  make  it  sure. — YOUNO. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  81 


ACEOSTIC. 

Never  fearing  mortal  foe, 
Ever  may  it  fastly  grow, 
While  mighty  waters  by  it  flow. 

Oppose  it  not.     "We  love  to  see 
Resplendent  ladies,  kind  and  free, 
Looking  on  its  charms  with  glee  ; 
Each  one  on  it  due  praise  bestow, 
And  we  feel  'tis  bound  to  grow. 
Never  fearing  foes  to  face, 
Soon  distant  towns  it  will  embrace. 


ACROSTIC. 

Surpassing  in  beauty,  thy  daughters  are  fair, 
Prudent  and  worthy  of  praises  they  are  ; 
Resplendent,  industrious,  in  truth  we  can  trace 
In  the  eye  of  each  lady,  true  worth  and  true  grace, 
No  groggeries,  no  drunkards  in  thee  can  be  found, 
Gladness  and  joy  thy  limits  surround ; 
From  hour  to  hour,  from  morning  to  night, 
In  thee  can  we  hear  true  songs  of  delight, 
Enrapturing  our  hearts,  endearing  thy  name  ; 
Lead  then  us  on  to  riches  and  fame, 
Denouncing  all  crime  till  the  exit  of  time. 

(Missouri.') 
6 


82 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Never  falter,  never  tire, 

Ever  faithful  horse  to  me; 

We  are  traveling,  traveling  fastly, 

Soon  in  sight  of  home  to  be. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Jesus  Christ,  the  truth,  the  way, 
On  Him  trust  from  day  to  day ; 
Harmless,  blameless,  strive  to  be, 
Nor  fear  to  own  He  died  for  thee. 


ACROSTIC. 

We  grieve  that  we  thy  scourges  see, 
And,  supplicating,  ask  of  thee, 
Relentless  monster,  from  us  flee. 

(Composed  in  1864-) 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS.  83 

ACEOSTIC. 

Men  sing  of  thy  graces,  and  drink  to  thy  health, 
Renowned  for  thy  beauty,  thy  wisdom  and  wealth, 
Scarce  know  we  one  mortal  so  good  as  thyself. 

Could  we  be  permitted  thy  worth  to  proclaim, 
Our  hills  and  our  valleys  would  ring  with  thy  name, 
Loud  sounding,  like  thunder,  extending  thy  fame, 

And  waking  from  slumber  all  mortals  around, 
Completely  enchanting  the  learned  and  profound; 
Knowing  thy  merits,  thy  praises  would  sound, 
Loving  most  justly  such  perfection  to  view, 
Interesting  our  hearts,  with  equals  but  few, 
Ne'er  swerving,  while  living,  thy  pleasures  pursue. 


ACEOSTIC. 

My  niece  most  kind,  for  bliss  designed, 
As  one  of  sense,  improve  thy  mind  j 
Eespecting,  too,  each  mortal  true, 
Yield  not  to  sin,  like  others  do. 

Eschewing  wrong,  be  firm  and  strong, 

Craving  knowledge,  now  march  along, 
And  gladly  sing,  to  Christ  I  cling, 
Maker  of  earth  and  every  thing. 
Proud  would  I  be  thy  face  to  see, 
Because  thou  art  so  dear  to  me  ; 
Each  hour,  each  day,  for  thee  I  pray. 
Loving  the  right,  with  death  in  sight, 
Let  us  for  realms  of  glory  fight. 

(Of  Crawford  Co.,  Arkansas.'} 


84  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

My  song  and  praise  shall  be  of  one 
Among  the  greatest  mortals,  who, 
Regarding  us  when  struggling  hard, 
Quickly  to  our  succor  flew. 
Undesigning  in  all  he  done, 
Intrepid,  wise  and  generous  man, 
Soon  for  himself  bright  laurels  won. 

Disinterested  here  he  came 
Equipped  with  armor  shining  bright, 

Leading  forth  his  soldiers,  who, 
At  his  expense,  came  here  to  fight. 
For  us  he  fought,  was  wounded,  too, 
And  for  our  cause  did  suffer  pain ; 
Yet,  soon  as  he  recovered  strength, 
Enlisted  in  the  war  again. 
The  sun  and  moon  will  first  grow  dim, 
The  concave  melt,  the  planets  fall, 
E'er  men  will  cease  to  reverence  him. 

A  Major-General  in  the  American  army,  is  justly  celebrated 
for  leaving  an  immense  estate,  the  best  of  friends,  and,  above  all, 
a  beloved  wife,  to  fight  the  battles  of  a  strange  people  in  a  far-off 
country.  This  generous  act  will  render  his  name  immortal.  He 
was  born  in  France,  September,  1757,  and  died  at  Lagrange,  in 
1830,  and  now  lies  buried  in  France,  near  Paris,  sleeping  between 
his  heroic  wife  and  beloved  daughter. 


MORAL  LESSON— REASON  FOR  SINGULARITY. 

A  celebrated  old  general  used  to  dress  in  a  fantastic  manner, 
by  way  of  making  himself  better  known.  It  is  true,  people  would 
say — "Who  is  that  old  fool?"  but  it  is  also  true  that  the  answer 

was,  "  That  is  the  famous  General ,  who  took  such  or  such 

a  place. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS. 


85 


ACEOSTIC. 

Juggling  old  men  we  hate  to  see, 
And  such  a  man  should  never  be 
Made  for  to  rule  the  brave  and  free. 
Evil-minded,  most  greedy,  too, 
See  how  he  spends  the  revenue. 

Base-hearted,  mean,  intriguing,  sly, 
Unfit  "to  live,  unfit  to  die, 
Corrupted  by  a  Northern  band, 
Hating  the  South  our  native  land — 
A  curse  to  all,  to  child  and  sire — 
No  one  should  such  a  fame  desire. 
All  the  prayers  of  this  whole  nation 
Need  now  be  made  for  his  salvation. 

(Composed  just  before  he  left  the  White  House,  1861.) 


86 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


CHKISTOPHER  COLUMBUS. 


ORIGINAL   ACROSTICS.  87 


ACEOSTIC. 

Commissioned  by  the  king  of  Spain, 

He  did  a  fleet  of  ships  prepare  ; 

Eejoicing,  westward  he  set  sail 

In  search  of  land  he  knew  not  where. 

Some  asserted  he  would  find 

The  ocean  deep,  a  boundless  main  j 

Others,  by  sailing  west  it  would 

Prevent  his  coming  back  again. 

Hopeful  still  he  kept  his  course, 

Ere  long  our  glorious  land  he  sees, 

Kich,  and  covered  o'er  with  trees. 

Confirmed  in  what  he  thought  was  true, 
Our  lovely  land  he  bids  farewell ; 
Leaving  this  with  joy  he  went 
Unto  his  own  the  news  to  tell. 
Men  soon  flocked  here  from  every  clime, 
Both  young  and  old,  the  rich  and  poor, 
Until  we  see  this  happy  land 
Scattered  now  with  cities  o'er.     . 


Christopher  Columbus  was  a  native  of  Genoa,  and  died  at  Valla- 
dolid,  in  the  year  1506,  being  about  seventy  years  old.  But  this  great 
man  was  unjustly  deprived  of  the  honor  of  giving  his  name  to  this 
continent  by  Americus  Vespucius,  a  native  of  Florence,  who  claimed 
the  honor  of  being  the  first  discoverer  of  the  main  land. 


88  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

No  State  more  free  from  debt  than  she ; 
O,  could  the  proud  her  farms  but  see  ! 
Rich  farms  of  tar,  rich  farms  of  pitch — 
They  would,  methinks,  pronounce  her  rich. 
Her  bottom-land  is  very  good, 

Covered  with  the  best  of  wood, 
And  will  produce,  when  cleared  away, 
Eich  crops  of  wheat,  rich  crops  of  hay, 
Oats,  too,  and  corn,  tobacco  and  rye 
Leap  like  tall  trees,  and  seek  the  sky ; 
Inviting  us  to  go  and  view 
Not  only  men,  but  women  true, 
At  work  in  corn  and  cotton,  too. 


ACROSTIC. 

Virginia  !  Virginia  !  I  love  thee  so  well ! 
In  youth  o'er  thy  hills  and  thy  streams  did  I  roam ; 
Resplendent  with  cities,  in  thee  could  I  dwell, 
Glad,  glad  would  I  leave  thee,  my  fair  sunny  home. 
It  was  on  thy  soil  that  my  parents  fjrst  gazed, 
Near  Banister  river,  not  far  from  its  mouth ; 
Industrious,  their  children  to  labor  they  raised, 
And,  hoping  to  enrich  us,  they  moved  to  the  South. 


DEAR  MISS. 

Thou  art  by  far  more  dear  to  me 
Than  all  the  gold  and  gems  that  be, 
Whether  on  land  or  on  the  sea 
There's  none  that  can  compare  with  thee. 

Thou  art  my  own  true  heart's  delight, 
Of  thee  I  think  both  day  and  night, 
And  this  I  deem  but  just  and  right 
Since  I  can  live  but  in  thy  light. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  89 

ACEOSTIC. 

Sweet  is  the  breath  of  morn  when  we  arise; 
Unspeakably  sweet  to  look  upon 
So  wondrous  a  work  as  the  lucid  skies ; 
And  a  creature  formed  like  thee/bright  one, 
!N"o  living  man  can  fail  to  prize. 

Aurora  gilds  the  morn  with  light — 

'Tis  her's  to  drive  all  gloom  away, 
Each  one  behold  her  charms  and  might, 
Resplendent  goddess  of  the  day, 
Eound  earth  she  drives  her  chariot  bright, 
Yet  not  of  her,  of  thee  we  write. 


ACROSTIC. 

Annie,  sweet  Annie,  it  ne'er  was  my  lot 
'Neath  the  blue  bending  skies,  in  palace  or  cot, 
'Neath  the  tropical  sun  or  the  snow-covered  crest, 
In  the  Orient  East,  or  the  beauty-famed  "West, 
E'er  to  meet,  e'en  in  dreams,  with  an  angelic  face, 

Enshrined  in  a  form  that  an  houri  would  grace ; 

Combined  in  one  being,  virtue,  gentleness,  love, 
Refining  the  circle  in  which  she  might  move, 
Enhancing,  exalting,  enriching  with  good, 
Ne'er  till  now  in  such  presence  enrapt  have  I  stood. 
Still  long  have  I  hoped  such  a  lady  to  meet — 
Have  fondly  believed  such  a  being  I'd  greet ; 
And  now,  having  found  her,  I  fain  at  thy  shrine 
"Would  kneel,  worship,  idolize,  beauty  like  thine. 


90  ROBERT   BLACKWELI/S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Exploring   all   its  beauties,   I  never   can   its    Author 

doubt, 
As  fancy  flies  from  pole  to  pole,  and  the  eye  looks 

round  about, 
Reflecting    on   its  wondrous    size,   remembering  all  I 

see, 
The  blessed  Lord  from  nothing  spake  ;  and  for  a  worm 

like  me 
He  left  his  shining  home  above,  and  died  upon  a  tree. 


ACROSTIC. 

With  firmness  and  with  holy  fear, 
In  the  work  of  Christ  engage, 
Let  nothing  ever  thee  deter, 
Loud  although  the  tempest  rage 
In  deep  retirement  God  is  nigh, 
And  in  the  gloom  of  night 
Man  may  on  his  grace  rely, 

Benignity,  truth  and  might; 
Ever,  then,  adore  his  name, 
Let  sinners  scon0,  the  world  defame, 
Let  heaven  be  thy  only  aim. 
(Of  Virginia.} 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  91 


ACEOSTIC. 

Clatter,  clatter,  here  they  come, 
A  wondrous  source  of  power, 
Eunning  at  a  rapid  rate, 
Some  thirty  miles  per  hour. 


ACEOSTIC. 

All  cases  of  headache  'twill  cure  at  a  touch, 
Men  and  dear  ladies  can't  praise  it  too  much ; 
Because  'tis  marvelous  and  cheering  to  read, 
Eespecting  its  power  to  cure  with  such  speed. 
Old  sores,  sore  throats  and  dyspepsia  it  cures, 
Sprains,  and  all  cuts,  wherever  it  goes; 
It  cures  the  bronchitis,  it  cures  the  sore  eyes, 
And  it  cures  the  diarrhea,  as  no  one  denies ; 
Langour  of  spirits  'twill  remove  in  a  day, 

One  dose  will  do  it — no  cure  no  pay , 

It  cures  all  bites,  for  which  you  should  buy  it ; 

Ladies  and  gents  afflicted,  now  try  it. 


92  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 

ACEOSTIC. 

Enchanting  men  with  smiles  so  free, 
Look  now  on  one,  to  love  a  slave ; 
Let  me  but  thy  admirer  be, 
Each  day  to  speak  in  praise  of  thee — 
No  greater  boon  than  this  I  crave. 

For  though  renowned,  I  do  not  seek, 
Lady,  to  win  that  heart  of  thine ; 
Of  worth  alone  I  wish  to  speak  j 
[Regarding  thee  with  pure  design, 
I  view  thee  as  too  good  and  meek, 
Notwithstanding  sometimes  I  rhyme, 
Ever  to  take  this  hand  of  mine. 

But  still  for  all,  I  thee  admire, 

On  thee  would  gaze  both  day  and  night, 

Unerring  tune  thy  golden  lyre, 

Eepeat  those  songs  which  give  delight. 

Lady,  I  feel  a  holy  fire 

Always  when  dwelling  in  thy  sight, 

Nor  would  I  here  more  wealth  desire, 

Did  I  possess  a  gem  so  bright. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Blushing  now  with  the  tint  of  health, 
Sing  on  God's  praises  free  ; 

Bless'd  with  that  grace,  more  prized  than  wealth, 
Each  sinful  pleasure  flee ; 
Looking  above,  and  like  myself, 
Long  with  the  Lord  to  be. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


93 


ACEOSTIC. 

Boundless  source  of  information — 
Information  for  the  blind, 
Bringing  words  of  consolation, 
Life  and  peace  to  soothe  the  mind 
Exposed  to  grief  of  every  kind. 


ACEOSTIC. 

Newly  settled, 

Enriched  with  fountains, 

Bounded  by 

Hough  hills  and  mountains, 

And  some  of  them, 

So  very  high, 

Kiss  every  cloud 

As  passing  by. 


94  ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


ACEOSTIC. 

Staunch  advocate  of  principle  and  right, 
Of  hazard  her  sons  did  never  once  think, 
Upheld  by  justice,  the  first  in  the  fight, 
The  base  procedure  of  treacherous  Old  Link, 
Her  people  could  see  before  you  can  wink. 

Courageous  they  made  them  batteries  of  wood, 
And  to  their  foes  their  banners  unfurled, 
Eesolving  to  conquer  or  pour  out  their  blood, 
Over  the  fort  they  cannon  balls  hurled, 
Leaving  impressions  wherever  they  struck, 
Igniting  Old  Sumpter,  the  flames  rose  high, 
Now  glory  to  her  sons,  we  admire  their  pluck, 
And  all  who  do  the  Yankees  defy. 

(Composed  1862.} 


ACEOSTIC. 

Enrich'd,  refin'd,  with  brilliant  mind, 
Love  we  to  sing  of  one  so  kind, 
In  whom  we  do  perfection  view. 
Zealous  in  works,  most  learn'd  and  true, 
Alluring  to  right,  ye  sons  of  might, 
Behold  in  her  all  graces  bright. 
Enchanted  by  her  piercing  eye, 
The  good,  the  wise,  the  great  and  high 
Her  name  should  love  while  ages  fly. 

How  few  on  earth  possess  such  worth, 

Discreet  and  wise,  of  noble  birth  ; 
All  that  is  true  in  her  we  view, 
Made  up  of  charms  and  graces,  too, 
Each  hour,  each  day,  she  goes  to  pray, 
Eeceiving  strength  to  cheer  her  way ; 
On  glory  bent,  with  good  inten 
Ne'er  was  a  soul  to  ruin  sent. 


ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 


95 


ACEOSTIC. 

They  teach  us  by  example  bright, 
Heaven-born,  religious  light, 
Enables  men  to  act  upright. 

Learned  and  skilled  in  every  thing, 
And  when  I  hear  them  sweetly  sing, 
Delight  doth  fill  my  heart; 
I  seem  as  in  a  trance  to  be, 
Etherial  joys  encompass  me; 
Soon  time  arrives,  for  home  I  start — 

One  lovelier  than  the  rest  I  see, 
From  her  I  hate  to  part ; 

Still  from  her  Fm  forced  to  go, 
Plodding  all  the  country  o'er, 
Remembering  that  I  am  so  poor 
It  is  not  wise  to  tarry; 
Now  could  the  lady  read  my  heart, 
Glance  at  it  before  I  start, 
From  her  I  fain  would  never  part ; 
I  think  she  then  would  marry 
Even  one  as  poor  as  me. 
Loveliest  thing  on  land  or  sea, 
Despise  me  not — farewell  to  thee. 

My  rhyme  is  done,  I  soar,  I  rise, 
On  wings  to  meet  thee  in  the  skies. 


96 


ROBERT  BLACKWELL'S 


CAPITOL   OP   TENNESSEE.     ' 

ACEOSTIC. 

Noted  afar  as  the  city  of  rocks, 
And  heroes  brave  and  ladies  fair, 
She  sits  enthroned  on  her  cliff,  and  mocks 
Her  envious  rivals  everywhere. 
View  all  her  noble  works  of  art — 
Increasing.     Wealth  on  every  hand ; 
Lawyers,  statesmen,  schools  and  mart, 
Little  to  blame  and  much  to  praise, 
E'en  here,  if  rich,  would  I  spend  my  days. 

(Population,  50,000.} 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS.  97 

ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  in  I860.) 

While  looking  at  thee  such  grandeur  I  see, 
As  beggars  description  from  a  mortal  like  me ; 
So  enchanting  thy  charms,  and  free  from  alarms, 
Here  fain  would  I  live  secure  in  thine  arms. 
I  read  of  thy  name  as  connected  with  fame, 
Not  forgetting  from  whence  thy  Father  he  came  j 
Great,  glorious  and  free,  here  his  image  I  see, 
'Tis  chiseled  in  stone,  immortal  to  be  j 
On  his  virtues  to  dwell  makes  my  bosom  now  swell, 
Ne'er  hoping,  yet  trying  all  his  merits  to  tell. 

Could  I  live  through  all  time  on  a  subject  sublime, 
It  would  give  me  true  joy,  methinks,  could  I  rhyme  j 
Though  Time  in  its  flight  his  image  may  blight, 
Yet  his  name  it  will  live  while  the  stars  give  us  light. 


ACEOSTIC. 

(Composed  in  1860. 

Threatened  by  foes  on  land  and  sea, 
Heeding  not  the  powers  that  be, 
Our  fathers,  struggling  to  be  fre-e, 
Made  us  renowned,  by  giving  thee 
A  pen  to  write  a  Declaration, 
Scorning  chains   and  degradation, 

.  :  Just  in  time  to  save  a  nation, 

Expressing  worth  by  demonstration ; 
Flinching  not,  with  pen  in  hand, 
For  us  so  boldly  took  thy  stand, 
Elevated  by  command, 
Rolled  the  ink  to  save  our  land. 
So  long  as  stars  and  stripes  shall  wave 
O'er  this  land  of  the  fair  and  brave, 
Nations  will  respect  thy  grave. 

Third  President  of  the  United  States.  Born  in  Virginia,  April 
*3>  J743-  President  from  1801  to  1809 — eight  years.  Died  July 
4th,  1826. 

7 


98 


ROBERT    BLACKWELL  S 


ANDBEW  JOHNSON. 


ORIGINAL    ACROSTICS. 


ACROSTIC. 

All  honest  men  from  sea  to  sea, 

Now  view  thy  course  with  true  delight, 

Depending  on  thy  counsels  we 

Regard  thee,  sir,  as  clothed  with  might : 

Each  praying  God  to  give  to  thee 

"Wisdom  to  guide  our  people  right. 

Justly,  oh,  then  thy  power  extend, 
Opposing  wrong  of  ev'ry  kind, 
Hold  to  the  right,  each  State  defend, 
North  and  the  South  together  bind ; 
Secession  rose  but  had  an  end, 
Overpowered,  as  was  designed, 
No  more  an  advocate  to  find. 

Seventeenth  President  of  the  United  States.  Born  in  North  Car 
olina,  December  29, 1808.  Succeeded  to  the  Presidency  on  the  assas 
sination  of  Abe  Lincoln,  April  14,  1865. 


PRESIDENT  JOHNSON. 

love  thy  flowing  words  to  hear, 
In  accents  soft,  in  accents  clear, 
Like  balm  they  fall  upon  the  ear, 
Making  us  all  to  persevere. 

Then  proudly,  sir,  thy  course  pursue, 
A  learned  man  with  much  to  do, 
All  honors  bright,  with  riches,  too, 
Eeward  thee  for  thy  conduct  true. 


100        ROBERT  BLACKWKLL'S  ORIGINAL  ACROSTICS. 
Wi 

(Composed  on  seeing  him  start  off  for  the  war,  1862.*) 

ACEOSTIC. 

Discussing  subjects  most  important,  and  the  road  before 

him  viewing, 
On  his  road  to  the  batle-field  to  save  our  glorious  South 

from  ruin, 
Charming  us  all  now  looking  at  him,  mounted  on  his 

horse  so  high, 
The  Yankees  they  had  better  scatter,  if  they  do  not 

want  to  die 
On  the  gory  field  of  battle,  for  should  he  meet  the 

treacherous  horde, 
Rushing  upon  them  he  will  slay  them  with  his  keen 

and  glitering  sword. 

Just  view  him  with   such  noble   soldiers,  onward  to 
Virginia  going, 

And  a  more  brave  and  skillful  leader    never  lived 
among  the  knowing. 

Armed  with  the  newest  and  best  repeaters,  and  the 
strongest  arm  we  know, 

Possessing  power  and  skill  to  use  it,  clear  the  way  each 
Northern  foe. 

Please  go  with  him  to  the  battle-field,  see  him  when 
there  mid  smoke  and  fires, 

Laboring  hard  to  perpetuate  that  freedom  bought  by 

sainted  sires.  * 

.  Every  man  should  laud  his  virtues,  conscious  he  is  act 
ing  right, 

We  should  follow  him  with  gladness,  and  praise  him, 
too,  when  we  see  him  fight; 

His  eyes  they  flash,  his  sword  is  drawn,  and  the  Yan 
kees  are  falling  near  him, 

Insidious  foes,  though  they  be  strong,  they  need  not 
hope  to  scare  him  ; 

Though  bullets  fall  thick  on  every  hand  he  does  not 
think  of  dying, 

Exulting,  see  his  sword  now  wave,  while  the  Yankees 
they  are  flying. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE. 

Invocation,  addressed  to  the  South 3 

Likeness  of  Robert  Blackwell 4 

Robert  Blackwell 5 

General  R.  E.  Lee 6 

The  Ladies  of  Canton 7 

Ladies  of  the  South 7 

Strike  for  Freedom 8 

The  Ladies  of  Jackson 8 

Jefferson  Davis 9 

C.  Adams 10 

John  C.  Breckinridge « 10 

Love 11 

St.  Louis 11 

Thomas  W.  Steele 12 

The  Black  Republicans 12 

Death 13 

Stonewall  Jackson 13 

Radicals 14 

William  G.  Brownlow «. 14 

Confederacy 15 

The  Democrats 15 

Richmond 15 

Poetry— Miss  Harriet  T 16 

Poetry — On  Smoking  and  Dipping 17 

Poetry— The  Yankees 18,  19 

Jesus 20 

Poetry — My  Country 21 

Poetry— On  Seeing  Mrs.  Surratt  Hung 21,  22 

Mary  T.  Blackwell 23,  24 

General  James  Yell , 25 

John  C.  Calhoun 25 

My  Mother— Elizabeth  P.  Blackwell ^ 26 

Sallie  A.  Jennings 27 

The  Atlantic  Cable 28 

John  L.  Blackwell...,  ...  29 


11 

PAGE. 

The  Two  Oddities 30 

Isaac  Shellie 31 

Thomas  Dick  Bourland 81 

Almighty  God 32 

Mieajah  Blackwell 32 

General  James  Longstreet 33 

William  V.  Moon 34 

Mister  Hume 34 

Mary 35 

S.  R.  Childs 35 

John  Bell 36 

Miss  Mary  Hannah  Thomas » 36 

Martin  Van  Buren 37 

Likeness  of  Logan  D.  Dameron 38 

Eddie '. 39 

Logan  D.  Dameron 39 

Marriage 40 

Laura  Isabel  Bragg 41 

Revelries 42 

Whisky. 42 

Charles  Cosgrovc 43 

The  Ladies  at  the  Chalybeate  Acid  Spring 44 

Stars 45 

The  Chase 45 

Picture  of  Jerusalem 46 

Fame 47" 

Atlanta, 47 

Jerusalem 47 

Phil  Chew 48 

Honorable  Daniel  Webster 48 

Brandy ; 49 

Rum 49 

Likeness  of  John  Quincy  Adams 50 

President  John  Quincy  Adams 51 

Likeness  of  Andrew  Jackson 52 

General  Andrew  Jackson 53 

Likeness  of  James  K.  Polk...  , 54 


Ill 

PAGE. 

James  K.  Polk , 55 

Take  Warning.. 56 

Doctor  W.  A.  Cheatham 56 

Maggie  C.  Fox 57 

Hope 57 

Mist 58 

Doctor  Isaac  K.  Cole 58 

Augusta 59 

Tea 59 

Maryland 60 

Ruth 60 

Mary  Serena  Dameron 61 

George  Knapp 61 

Elizabeth  Dean 62 

Delaware 63 

The  Selfish 63 

Washington  Crossing  the  Delaware 64 

George  Washington 65 

Sons  of  Tennessee 66 

Tennessee , 66 

S.  A.  Douglas 67 

Rev.  T.  M.  Finney 68 

Honorable  Henry  Clay 68 

Virtue 69 

Sarah  P.  Moon 69 

Sun 70 

Sarah  Ann  Titsworth 70 

Sympathy 71 

Ann  Howard 71 

Arkansas 72 

California 72 

Georgia 72 

Spencer  Croge „ 73 

Emma  Thomas 73 

Likeness  of  Zachary  Taylor 74 

Moral — The  Two  Rivers  and  Application 75 

Zachary  Taylor 75 


IV 

PAGI. 

Light 76 

Comet 76 

Doctor  J.  L.  Cole 76 

George  H.  Clinton „  77 

Napoleon  Bonaparte 78 

Mistress  Martha  Prince 79 

Fanny  Smith 80 

Nancy  Reves 80 

Springfield 81 

New  Orleans 81 

"War 82 

John 82 

News 82 

Mary  E.  Campbell 83 

Mrs.  Col.  Acklin . 83 

Marquis  De  Lafayette 84 

James  Buchanan 85 

Likeness  of  Christopher  Columbus 86 

Christopher  Columbus 87 

Dear  Miss 88 

Virginia 88 

North  Carolina 88 

Annie  E.  Crenshaw 89 

Susan  A.  Terry 89 

William  Bell 90 

Earth 90 

Ambrosial  Oil 91 

Cars : 91 

B.  S.  Bell 92 

Ellen  Florinne  Bourland 92 

Nebraska 93 

Bible 93 

South  Carolina 94 

Elizabeth  H.  Dameron 94 

The  Ladies  of  Springfield,  Mo 95 

Nashville .'. 96 

"Washington  City 97 

Thomas  Jeflerson , 97 

Likeness  of  Andrew  Johnson 98 

Andrew  Johnson 99 

Doctor  J.  A.  Applewhite « 100 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 

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